The 12 Steps to Holiness and Salvation is a lovely, encouraging compilation of excerpts from writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori. Twelve topics lend themselves to a monthly focus of meditation upon Heavenward leading virtues. Advent sets the stage for a new beginning in the Camino to holiness and union with Jesus. The first chapter,"Faith", explores the necessity of a holy faith in the life of the soul who follows Jesus. Old and New Testament examples enlighten the reader. Words of our Savior assure. The words of St. James admonish us to put faith into practice. Validity of faith is determined by how it is acted upon. "Faith transcends both intellect and worldly gains. Mundane wealth vanishes in the light of faith filled devotion." As new years resolutions are embarked upon, how fitting it is to contemplate the virtue of faith during the month of January, the month we commemorate the Holy Childhood and Holy Name of Jesus.
"What shall it profit my brethren
If a man say
that he hath faith but not works?
Shall faith be able to save him?
And if a brother or sister
be naked and want daily food
And one say to them~
Go in peace, be ye warm and filled
Yet give them not
those things that are necessary for the body,
what shall it profit?
So faith also, if it have not works
is dead in itself."
James 2:14-16
Douay Rheims Roman Catholic Bible
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