Guest Column / Richard Etienne

Reflecting on the role of grace in our lives of faith

How would you define grace?

One definition that resonates with my experience is that grace is “God’s kindness, favor and/or mercy that is given without merit.” That’s right: we can’t do a single thing to warrant this gift!

Like the very nature of all gifts—a person cannot earn it—it is always freely given with no strings attached. For me, this grace from God is often manifested in the many resources that I require on any given day at any certain time.

At every moment in life, God knows our needs better than we do. And I believe that many of us are aware of these most basic physical needs when considering grace: food, shelter and safety.

But what are the emotional graces that God can give? Do I need patience? How could I benefit from more energy and psychological strength to endure a specific situation? Do I need a new sense of hope when things seem bleak? What about grace that leads to more humility? Do I need more enthusiasm or a more positive attitude? Could I benefit from being more thankful for the blessings in my life and not just focused on the next “wish” on my never-ending list?

Those are all examples of God’s grace for me that often surpass those physical needs of safety, shelter or food.

Additionally, when a person prays, “Give us this day our daily bread … ,” this does not refer to our food alone but all of these other types of blessings that a person needs at the current time.

And as St. Paul writes in his Second Letter to the Corinthians, “And my grace is sufficient [will be enough] for you” (2 Cor 12:9).

Every day, God can provide what we need if one only “knock” and “ask.”

For me, these needs are often more attitudinal. Am I truly open to the path that seems to be unfolding for my life each day as I try to walk with the Lord?

Consequently, we can always be assured that this process will begin again tomorrow. Every part of God’s creation is constantly changing. I must stay open to the world as it develops before me and what God is offering me today. This is supported by the passage from Luke 12:22-34. God knows what our true needs are, and he will provide the resources.

So the ultimate goal for each of us is to trust that God has a grander plan—his “will”—and that each of us has a specific part to play in this great scheme. And if we listen carefully, we will see our role and recognize the individual part that we must play in it and, with “God’s grace,” have every essential that we will need to carry it to completion.
 

(Richard Etienne has a degree in theology from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad and resides in Newburgh, Ind.) †