Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. The external declaration, in words or deeds, of what webelieve, is a true act of faith. Though faith itself is in thesoul, and its act is primarily internal, it can be outwardlyexpressed without losing its essential character. Hence, ifinternal thought and assent make an act of faith, the externalexpression of that thought and assent makes an act of faith.
2. A man is obliged to declare his faith outwardly (thatis, he isobliged to make an external act of faith) wheneverthe honor of God or his neighbor's good requires that he shoulddo so.
"Lord, here burn, here cut, and dry up in me all that hinders me from going to You, that You may spare me in eternity."
St Louis Bertrand
* * *
"The one thing necessary which Jesus spoke of to Martha and Mary consists in hearing the word of God and living by it."
R. Garrigou-Lagrange, OP
* * *
"The essence of perfection is to embrace the will of God in all things, prosperous or adverse. In prosperity, even sinners find it easy to unite themselves to the divine will; but it takes saints to unite themselves to God's will when things go wrong and are painful to self-love. Our conduct in such instances is the measure of our love of God."
St Alphonsus de Liguori
* * *