Thank you for this edifying article. It compels me to read, re-read, and engage my reason in order to learn. This text reminded me of last year’s Jubilee. Those around me always viewed passing through the Holy Doors as a 'magical' act that would wash away all sin. They fail to grasp that it is merely the visible sign of a conversion journey—permanent and persevering—uniting penance and prayer (in our secularized world, a second chance is always viewed with suspicion).
To align with your text: crossing the Threshold grants no guarantee of receiving absolution (the principle of condignity); however, the journey of penance and prayer can obtain Grace for us if we ask for it with the necessary sincerity (congruity)? Have I grasped the nuance correctly?
Great comment. Regarding the last bit, I dont think this is formulated correctly. As Wagner clarified, what differs congruous merit from condign merit is not certainty.
Thank you for your response. I always need clarification in theology. So, if the distinction is not about certainty, does it lie in the reason for that certainty? Does condignity reward Justice, while congruity is a response to the fidelity of the promise?
When it comes to analysing infallible congruous merit and condign merit, yes, the reason for that certainty comes into play, but even then there is a more broad underlying differentiation.
In a more broader definition, condign and congruous merits differ in relation to how the human act relates to the dignity of the reward. In condign merit, this reward is given in Justice and is strictly proportional to the act, like a salary given to a worker. For this reason, in the state of grace, God grants us supernatural graces that elevate our works so that this relation can be coherent, which is defined in his promise. From this, it becomes clear that those in mortal sin do not have the ability to merit anything in a condign way, for the very sustenance of this relation for the human act is extinguished from the soul of the individual. That is, the soul is no longer in friendship with God, and the Holy Spirit does not abide in their soul.
In congruous merit, the reward is given in a conventional/fitting way in a manner that is not assigned as proportional to the act, and that would not violate strict Justice otherwise, but formally assigned according to liberality and friendship of God. For example, like Wagner cited, if I ask my friend to help do some work and I reward him with a meal and whatnot. This reward is deemed fitting for his act, but is not really proportional, and would obviously not violate strict justice if I had not done otherwise, it comes from friendship and liberality. I highly recommend reading the article again, I am also going to do this. God bless you
Thank you for this edifying article. It compels me to read, re-read, and engage my reason in order to learn. This text reminded me of last year’s Jubilee. Those around me always viewed passing through the Holy Doors as a 'magical' act that would wash away all sin. They fail to grasp that it is merely the visible sign of a conversion journey—permanent and persevering—uniting penance and prayer (in our secularized world, a second chance is always viewed with suspicion).
To align with your text: crossing the Threshold grants no guarantee of receiving absolution (the principle of condignity); however, the journey of penance and prayer can obtain Grace for us if we ask for it with the necessary sincerity (congruity)? Have I grasped the nuance correctly?
Great comment. Regarding the last bit, I dont think this is formulated correctly. As Wagner clarified, what differs congruous merit from condign merit is not certainty.
Thank you for your response. I always need clarification in theology. So, if the distinction is not about certainty, does it lie in the reason for that certainty? Does condignity reward Justice, while congruity is a response to the fidelity of the promise?
When it comes to analysing infallible congruous merit and condign merit, yes, the reason for that certainty comes into play, but even then there is a more broad underlying differentiation.
In a more broader definition, condign and congruous merits differ in relation to how the human act relates to the dignity of the reward. In condign merit, this reward is given in Justice and is strictly proportional to the act, like a salary given to a worker. For this reason, in the state of grace, God grants us supernatural graces that elevate our works so that this relation can be coherent, which is defined in his promise. From this, it becomes clear that those in mortal sin do not have the ability to merit anything in a condign way, for the very sustenance of this relation for the human act is extinguished from the soul of the individual. That is, the soul is no longer in friendship with God, and the Holy Spirit does not abide in their soul.
In congruous merit, the reward is given in a conventional/fitting way in a manner that is not assigned as proportional to the act, and that would not violate strict Justice otherwise, but formally assigned according to liberality and friendship of God. For example, like Wagner cited, if I ask my friend to help do some work and I reward him with a meal and whatnot. This reward is deemed fitting for his act, but is not really proportional, and would obviously not violate strict justice if I had not done otherwise, it comes from friendship and liberality. I highly recommend reading the article again, I am also going to do this. God bless you
Thank you, Victor. So, to summarize my understanding:
Condign Merit: Based on Justice + Strict Proportionality (the reward is equal to the merit, like a wage).
Congruous Merit: Based on Promise/Mercy + No Strict Proportionality (the reward exceeds the merit, given out of liberality).
Is it accurate to say that prayer is unique because it bridges this gap, not by its own worth, but by God's specific promise to treat it as worthy?
(It’s not always easy, even with a translator, to grasp the nuances of a text that is not in one’s native language...)
would you please check your dms sir. My Priest would like to speak to you if possible
This is one of the best reads for me in a good while. Brilliant article