St. Francis de Sales astutely describes the difference between what he terms a dead or dying faith, and a living one. The difference is simply charity- Love- and how we reach out to others.
He says, ” Faith is the basis and foundation of all the other virtues, but especially of hope and of charity. When charity is joined to faith, it vivifies it. There is then a dead faith and a dying faith. Dead faith is that which is separated from charity- a separation that prevents us from performing the works consistent with the faith we profess.
Dying faith is that which is not entirely separated from charity. Those who profess it perform some good works though rarely and feebly.
Living faith is excellent because, being united to charity and vivfied by it, it is strong, firm and constant. The good works it accomplished deserve the praise, You have great faith! Such faith is great because of the good works it performs and also because of the many virtues that accompany it.
REFLECTION:
How would I characterize my faith?
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