Merit
By the merit of a good action is meant the claim to an adequate reward which it establishes. The reward we are considering is one that is supernatural in this world and more especially in the next. A meritorious action is one that in some way deserves a reward. There is also a merit of satisfaction, which proceeds from good works and sufferings; this means an adequate compensation which is offered to God and which satisfies for sins. Allied to these is the merit or power of impetration, which is the power of obtaining favours from God by virtue of the value belonging to the prayers offered to Him. There is a great fitness in the doctrine of merit. All forces must produce corresponding results. Our evil actions have a lasting effect, so too must good ones. A supernatural force brought into play must have a supernatural effect. This supernatural power of meriting, satisfying and impetrating does not properly belong to our actions, but has been accorded to us by God in pursuance of the wonderful designs of His Providence, "that every one may receive the proper things of his body according as he hath done, whether it be good or evil" (2 Cor. v. 10). Thus the demerits of humanity are equitably balanced by their merits, and good prevails over evil. We should be stimulated to work earnestly, knowing that every action will have its eternal supernatural effect. Continue Reading.
