Giving Up Our Polluted Garments


Dear Catholic Exchange:

In the Bible we see the words justified (Abraham was justified by faith) and righteousness (someone being made righteous). Could you please define these words for me, especially with regards to Baptism and Confession?

Thank you

Anthony Ferralli

Dear Mr. Ferralli,

Peace in Christ! This email is in response to your request for definitions of the words “justification” and “righteousness,” with particular reference to Baptism and Confession. I hope this response will adequately address your question.

The Catechism teaches:

The grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to justify us, that is, to cleanse us from our sins and to communicate to us “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ” and through Baptism (no. 1987; [Rom. 3:22, cf. 6:3-4]).

Justification is the “gracious action of God which frees us from sin and communicates ‘the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ’ (Rom. 3:22). Justification is not only the remission of sins, but also the sanctification and renewal of the interior man” (Glossary to the Catechism, second edition). Further, “Justification is at the same time the acceptance of God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.” Righteousness (or “justice”) here means the rectitude of divine love (Catechism, no. 1991; original emphasis).

If justification is the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation to God, then one of the effects of justification must be the imputation of God's righteousness, or justice, within us. No longer clinging to our own righteousness, which is but “polluted garments” (Is. 64:6) in God’s sight, we are possessed of the very righteousness which is God’s and which flows from the wellspring of divine love. And more than just giving clean clothes, so to speak, God bestows sonship upon us. Justification and the imputation of righteousness are not mere legal declarations, but God brings us into His family and invites us to His table.

The relation of justification and righteousness to Baptism is that Baptism is the ordinary means by which we are justified and the righteousness of God is communicated to us (Catechism, no. 1987). Baptism is the doorway into the entire Christian life and is an initial encounter with the grace of God, which justifies us and makes us righteous (cf. Catechism, no. 1213).

The Christian way, however, is a lifelong journey that entails growth and, because we carry the baggage of our flesh with us, sometimes stumbling and falling. This growth in our justification and imputed righteousness is aided along the way through the sacrament of Penance. Our initial justification was an initial time-bound event. But because of our weakness and tendency to sin, we must constantly experience conversion and partake of the fruits of Baptism (cf. Catechism, nos. 1425-26). Along with all the other sacraments, to which Baptism gives access, especially the Eucharist, the Sacrament of Penance sustains us in God’s grace.

We can describe the relation of Baptism and Penance to justification and righteousness by saying that we receive sonship in Baptism and, through Penance, God restores and welcomes home his prodigal sons.

I hope this answers your question. If you have further questions on this or any other subject, or would like to learn more about Catholics United for the Faith, please call us at 1-800-MY-FAITH. May God bless your day.

United in the Faith,

David E. Utsler

Information Specialist

Catholics United for the Faith

827 North Fourth Street

Steubenville, OH 43952

800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)

Gems for Young Mothers

Dear Christy Wall:

Thank you, Christy, for your words of wisdom and encouragement in your article, Help to a Young Mother on Catholic Exchange. Though I'm not a young mother (I'm actually a 35 year-old with my first on the way!), I cherished your words as I set out on this journey to motherhood. There were sooo many gems to gather! Thanks for taking the time to write your article.

Jennifer Gacka

Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Dear Catholic Exchange:

Thanks so much for your wonderful article, Help to a Young Mother! It is just what I needed to read today & I've passed it along to many other Moms whom I know will appreciate it as well. God bless!!!

Ad Majoram Dei Gloriam,

Mary

Dear Christy Wall,

I just read your article, Help to a Young Mother, and I couldn't help feeling deja vu. My wife, Annie, who is now 45 years old, gave birth to a baby girl (Angela Marie) on July 4, 1999. Gaela (her nickname) happens to be our third child. Her elder brother (Justin) is now 24 years old and her elder sister (Tammy) is now 21 years old.

Many of my officemates assume I had my new baby with a different wife. When they hear about the age difference, they tell me, “So, you are starting all over again!” I reply, “No, I'm finishing up!” I may have given a different retort if my wife was a bit younger. Gaela is so lucky. She has two “Daddies” and two Mommies” at home. By the way, she was born at 3 pm (the Holy Hour).

God Bless,

Bernie G.



Releasing Souls from Purgatory

Dear Catholic Exchange:

I am trying to learn about purgatory. Specifically, I’m looking for some in-depth information on St. John de Massias, St. Gertrude the Great, and St. Catherine of Genoa. I’ve found general biographies, but I’m having trouble finding details on their life and writings. I’ve looked through the Catholic Encyclopedia, Catholic.org and EWTN’s website. The bull of canonization of St John Massias mentioned he obtained the release of many souls from purgatory. I read St Catherine's body lies incorrupt in a convent. Where can I get further information on these events and some books/bulls/etc. on purgatory, including the Heroic Sacrifice?

Thanks in advance for the information.

Erik Pettyjohn

Dear Major Pettyjohn,

For general information on Purgatory, see our Faith Fact on Purgatory. For other sources, consider the following books: Catholic for a Reason: Scripture and the Mystery of the Family of God, which contains Curtis Martin's insightful article, “The Burning Truth About Purgatory”; Your One-Stop Guide to Heaven, Hell and Purgatory, by Bill Dodds (Servant Publications); How to Avoid Purgatory, by Paul Sullivan, which is available for reading online at ewtn.com; Purgatory: Explained by the Lives and Legends of the Saints, by F. X. Schouppe; and The Divine Comedy, Part 2: Purgatory by Dante Alighieri (translated by Dorothy L. Sayers with commentary).

Regarding St. John Massias, Father Sullivan writes in his book that the saint is reported to have aided the release of more than a million souls from Purgatory, chiefly by reciting the Rosary and offering related indulgences for them. But Father Sullivan simply makes an assertion without providing commentary or a footnote. For further reading on St. John, see Lives of Dominican Saints, by Procter, pp. 263-74. For a fuller biography, though written in Latin, see Catalogus Historicus, O.P., by Taurisano.

Regarding St. Catherine of Genoa, there is The Spiritual Doctrine of St. Catherine of Genoa (Tan Books): (800) 437-5876. This book includes three separate works by St. Catherine, including her Treatise on Purgatory. In addition, there is St. Catherine’s Purgation and purgatory; The Spiritual Dialogue (Paulist Press), which includes an introduction by Father Benedict Groeschel. Regarding St. Catherine of Siena, see The Life of St. Catherine of Siena, by Raymond of Capua, translated by George Lamb (P. J. Kenedy, 1960).

For more information on incorruptible saints, see The Incorruptibles, by Joan Carroll Cruz (Tan). Regarding St. Gertrude the Great, see The Revelations of St. Gertrude, which may be available via interlibrary loan from Franciscan University of

Steubenville: (740) 283-6366.

Many of these books may be purchased through Benedictus Books: (888) 316-2640. Catholic United for the Faith (CUF) members receive a 10-percent discount. (Benedictus may also have other book suggestion regarding these saints.) Other of the aforementioned books may be out of print. For used books, contact Loome Theological Booksellers online at www.booktown.com, or by writing theological@loomebooks.com. Still others may be available via interlibrary loan. Contact your local public library and/or university library.

Finally, we are familiar with the term “heroic sacrifice” as it relates to the faith, but we are not aware of the Church’s using this term in her teaching on Purgatory. If you could specify where you read this, we would be happy to reply. Also, if you have further questions or would like more information about Catholics United for the Faith, please contact us at 1-800-MY-FAITH (693-2484). May God bless your day.

United in the Faith,

Thomas J. Nash

Senior Information Specialist

Catholics United for the Faith

827 North Fourth Street

Steubenville, OH 43952

800-MY-FAITH (800-693-2484)



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