Merit Revisited

Merit Revisited | Fr. Joseph R. Upton | Homiletic & Pastoral Review



One of the most significant themes is the doctrine of merit. This long-forgotten element of Catholic teaching has made a remarkably ostensible reappearance in the new translation.

t seems that the implementation of the new translation of the Roman
Missal has gone over remarkably well, even better than many expected. 
Our congregations seem to be adjusting well, despite the occasional “and
also with you.”

Among the most striking changes in the new translation is the
pervasive presence of rich doctrinal themes.  It’s not as though these
themes were absent from the liturgy before.  They were clearly
articulated in the original Latin text, but were unfortunately obscured
in the previous translation.

One of the most significant themes is the doctrine of merit.  This
long-forgotten element of Catholic teaching has made a remarkably
ostensible reappearance in the new translation.  It appears regularly
throughout the proper prayers, and is referenced in Eucharistic Prayer
II which prays that “we may merit to be coheirs to eternal life.”  It is
a doctrine that has been misunderstood for centuries, and has been the
source of great disagreement and consternation throughout the history of
the Church.

Simply stated, merit makes our actions worthy of reward by God. 
Merit is part and parcel of our everyday natural lives: a laborer who
performs his job well merits a proper wage, which has been promised by
his employer pending the fulfillment of his duty.

The difficulty in understanding merit in the supernatural order is
that it seems to place a condition on God, who is all-powerful and
infinitely greater than any human act.  While this is true, God himself
has promised believers a just reward for persevering in this life.  This
teaching is profoundly scriptural.  Jesus continually promises heavenly
rewards to those who follow him faithfully: “Rejoice and be glad for
your reward will be great in heaven” (Mt 5:12).  Matthew 25 presents
eternal life as a reward for those who served Christ with good works on
earth.  (See also Mt 19:29; 25:21; and Lk 6:38.)

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