In #52 of Gaudete et Exsultatae, Pope Francis reminds us that it is the Lord who always takes the initiative. He quotes others to affirm this truth. Then, in #53 he tells what the Councils have said to reinforce the truth that we cannot demand, merit, or buy the gift of divine grace.
In #54, the Catechism of the Catholic Church also reminds us that the gift of grace surpasses the power of human intellect and will. "His friendship infinitely transcends us; we cannot buy it with our works, it can only be a gift born of his loving initiative. This invites us to joyful gratitude for this completely unmerited gift..."
55. This is one of the great convictions that the Church has come firmly to hold...we not only accept it intellectually but also make it a source of contagious joy....
56. "Only on the basis of God's gift, freely accepted and humbly received, can we cooperate by our own efforts in our progressive transformation. We must first belong to God, offering ourselves to him who was there first, and entrusting to him our abilities, our efforts, our struggle against evil and our creativity, so that his free gift may grow and develop within us..."
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