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I. As sanctifying grace is the source, so it is to a great extent the measure of merit. The diversities of this grace constitute the real differences between men, and arrange them into classes and hierarchies like the angels. A more complete habitual state of grace gives a so much greater spiritual intensity and value to the works arising from it. Two persons doing precisely the same act may have a very- different merit for it. So too it is in another sphere: the day's work of a highly cultivated man is more highly recompensed than the physical toil of the labourer. Thus again the smallest action of the Saviour was more meritorious than all the virtues, and efforts, and heroism of the whole human race together. Hence the greatness of the Blessed Virgin's merits beyond all others, though she was not called to the active or suffering life of Apostles and Martyrs. Hence it is that the saints of God enjoy a greater power of impetration and satisfaction by prayers and sufferings than ordinary Christians. This was the case with Mary Magdalene: "Many sins are forgiven her because she hath loved much" (Luke vii. 47). As the value of human works is greater here, so is their reward more glorious hereafter; everything is higher and better with the greater abundance of sanctifying grace. "To every one that hath shall be given, and he shall abound" (Matt. xxv. 29). Esteem the value of actions, not according to the natural ability or energy in them, nor even solely according to the good intention from which they proceed, but primarily according to the sanctifying grace or Spirit of God which moves them.
II. The difficulty that attends good works increases their merit very largely, and also their reward. "Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour" (1 Cor. iii. 8). And again it is written: "According to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart, Thy consolations have given joy to my soul" (Ps. xciii. 19). The widow's mite was, in God's sight, a greater offering than all the large contributions of Pharisees and Princes of the people; it bore a larger proportion to her means, and involved a greater amount of sacrifice. The long duration of a good work or of a struggle is also an augmentation of meritoriousness; so God often delays answering our prayers for relief. The long monotony, the apparent hopelessness, the weary waiting, the fight against our own fickleness, exercise the great virtues of trust in God, courage and perseverance, and they multiply the ultimate reward. So also the conflict with distractions and temptations in prayer is more profitable to the soul and pleasing to God than the delights of peaceful contemplation. Hence learn the advantage of persecutions to the Church, of the calumnies that obstruct her work, and of the unceasing difficulties created by human passion both without and within her boundaries. The virtues elicited by tribulation are more glorious and more useful than a series of splendid successes that have cost neither blood nor tears. As difficulties grow worse "rejoice and be exceeding glad, because your reward is very great in heaven" (Matt. v. 12).
III. A great deal of course depends also on the intrinsic character of the works done. There are those who exhaust themselves with the multitude of their works and yet find them all unprofitable when they stand before God for judgment. "We have laboured all the night and have taken nothing" (Luke v. 5). That which is considered most meritorious and useful by men is not of necessity considered most meritorious and useful by God. Those virtues which regard God immediately are better than such as serve Him indirectly. Actions which exercise our faith, hope, love of God, love of our neighbours and our religious sense are better than acts of other virtues; spiritual activity is better than any in the temporal order, the interests of souls are more than the comforts of the body, advancement in the knowledge of God and the practice of morality is more than gold-mines and gigantic businesses; the lowest grade of super natural virtue surpasses the most brilliant natural virtues. Always do what is highest, and elevate lowly duties by doing them for God.
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