You've surely heard someone say they were "touched by grace." Or perhaps you've sung "Thanks be to the Lord" at Mass without really knowing what it meant. Grace, a word we often use without thinking, actually encompasses one of the deepest and most beautiful concepts of faith Christian faith. It is the beating heart of our relationship with God, ensuring we are not alone on our spiritual journey. Let us embark together on a journey to discover this reality that can transform the way you live your faith.
At the biblical origins: when God leans towards us
Words that reveal a face of God
When we translate the Bible, we realize that some words are like treasures: they contain much more than a simple definition. The word "grace" is one of them. In the Old Testament, two Hebrew terms lie behind what we call "grace.".
The first, hen, It refers to the benevolent gaze of someone leaning towards you. Imagine a parent kneeling to be at their child's level: that's the attitude. God leaning towards humanity with tenderness, looking at us with this incredible benevolence despite our imperfections.
The second, hesed, It goes even further. It is faithful love, that tenderness that endures, that never withdraws. It is the love that remains present even when it is undeserved, even when one is distant. The prophets of the Old Testament never ceased to remind us of this. hesed of God towards his people, this unwavering faithfulness.
Grace in the New Testament: the ultimate gift
When we get to the New Testament, the Greek word charis takes on an even deeper dimension. Saint Paul practically makes it the center of his theology. For him, grace is not just a benevolent attitude of God, it is quite simply his most precious gift: salvation itself.
Let's take a concrete example. You may know this phrase from Paul to the Ephesians: "It is by grace you have been saved, through faith. This salvation does not come from you; it is a gift from God. In other words, everything good we have, everything that draws us closer to God, is a gift. Not something we earn, deserve, or buy.
This vision was revolutionary at the time, and it still is today. In a world where everything is earned, won, and calculated, the idea of unconditional love and salvation shakes our foundations.
Grace as the active presence of God
But be warned: grace is not just an abstract idea or a theological concept for theologians in cassocks. It is a real force, a divine energy that acts concretely in our lives.
Saint Augustine, He, who reflected deeply on this subject, explained that grace is God coming to dwell within us, working within us to transform us. Think of a craftsman delicately shaping pottery: grace is God the craftsman shaping us with patience and love.
Centuries later, Thomas Aquinas would say that grace is like a "participation in the divine life." In other words, when you receive grace, a little of God's very life enters into you. Impressive, isn't it?
Being "touched by grace": a life-changing experience
When God knocks at the door
The expression "touched by grace" often evokes particular, sometimes spectacular, moments when someone feels that God has intervened in their life. Saint Paul on the road to Damascus, struck by a light: that's the classic image.
But reality is often more nuanced and simpler at the same time. To be touched by grace can mean:
This inexplicable turning point You are attending mass as usual, and suddenly, a phrase from the Gospel pierces your heart. Something awakens within you. You cannot explain it rationally, but you know that something has changed.
This unexpected strength You are going through a terrible ordeal – bereavement, illness, a breakup – and you discover within yourself a peace you didn't know you possessed. It's not denial, it's not insensitivity: it's a strength that comes from elsewhere.
This gradual conversion For years, you were indifferent to faith, And gradually, without you even realizing it, it becomes important to you. It's subtle, almost imperceptible, but it's very real.
The two types of grace: to better understand
Theologians traditionally distinguish between two broad categories of grace, and this distinction can really help you understand how God works.
Sanctifying grace It is the grace that dwells within you permanently, the grace that makes you a temple of the Holy Spirit. It enters your life primarily through baptism and is renewed with the sacraments, Above all the Eucharist and reconciliation. It is your permanent connection with God, this divine presence that resides within you.
Imagine it like the root of a tree: invisible, yet essential. It is what gives you your identity as a child of God. When you are in a "state of grace" (without unconfessed mortal sin), this divine presence is fully active within you.
The current grace These are God's occasional interventions in your daily life. These little nudges, these inspirations, these strengths that come at just the right time. You hesitate to forgive someone who has hurt you, and suddenly you find the strength. You are searching for your path, and an encounter, a book, an event sheds light on your life. These are all acts of grace in the present moment.
Think of it like the fruits of a tree: visible, concrete, multiple.
How can we recognize the action of grace?
This is THE practical question that many people ask: how can we know if it is really God who is acting or just my imagination?
Here are some guidelines provided by saints and spiritual masters:
Peace deep Authentic grace brings inner peace, even when everything is outwardly in turmoil. It is not fleeting euphoria, but a tranquility deep within the heart.
The fruit over time A true touch of grace produces lasting fruit: more charity, More patience, more spiritual joy. If it was just a fleeting emotion, it probably wasn't grace.
Orientation towards others Grace never makes you withdraw into yourself. On the contrary, it opens you up to others, it pushes you towards service, towards concrete love.
Consistency with faith What grace inspires in you will always be consistent with the Gospel and the teachings of the Church. God does not contradict himself.
Obstacles to grace: why it sometimes seems absent
Many people ask themselves, "Why don't I feel anything? Why does God seem absent from my life?"«
First, let's be clear: not feel Grace does not mean that it does not act. God is not a provider of spiritual emotions on demand. Sometimes, he works in silence and imperceptibly.
That said, certain attitudes can indeed hinder grace:
Attachment to sin When we cling to behaviors we know are contrary to the Gospel, we close doors to God's action. It's not that God refuses his grace, it's that we refuse to welcome it.
Spiritual pride Thinking that one needs no one, not even God. Or, conversely, wanting to "earn" grace through one's own efforts. Grace is a gift: one can only receive it humbly.
The constant noise In a life saturated with activities, notifications, and constant distractions, how can we hear the quiet voice of grace? It requires silence, listening, and inner availability.
Discouragement Paradoxically, telling yourself "I'm too bad for God to care about me" is also an obstacle. Grace is precisely meant to... the fishermen, For those who need it!
Giving thanks: the right response to an undeserved gift
More than just a thank you
«"Let us give thanks to the Lord our God," we sing at every Mass. This liturgical phrase could be recited mechanically. But in reality, it contains a whole spirituality.
Giving thanks is much more than a polite thank you. It's recognizing that everything we have comes from God. It's a fundamental attitude towards life that transforms our perspective on everything.
The etymology is interesting: in Greek, "« Eucharist » comes from eucharist, which means precisely "thanksgiving." The entire Mass is therefore structured as an immense thanksgiving to God. Particularly the central moment when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ: the culmination of thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving in the Bible
The Old Testament is filled with psalms of thanksgiving. Psalm 135 repeats like a refrain: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever!" This is not pointless repetition; it is the expression of a heart overflowing with gratitude.
In the New Testament, Jesus himself gives thanks before his miracles. Before multiplying the loaves, he "gave thanks." Before raising Lazarus from the dead, he looks up to heaven and thanks his Father. This is a model for us: gratitude precedes action; it paves the way for the miracle.
Saint Paul is even more radical: «Give thanks in all circumstances,» he writes to the Thessalonians. In all circumstances? Even in trials? Yes, because Paul understood that gratitude changes our perspective on events, even difficult ones.
Developing a life of gratitude: practical advice
Let's get down to specifics. How can you cultivate this attitude of gratitude in your daily life?
The gratitude journal Each evening, write down three things you are grateful for today. It can be small: a ray of sunshine, a smile received, a good meal. At first, it seems artificial. But after a few weeks, your perspective changes: you begin to seek Reasons to give thanks in your day.
The prayer of blessing Instead of always asking God for something, make it a habit to begin your prayers with praise and gratitude. Say "Lord, thank you for..." before "Lord, give me...". This is a healthy rebalancing.
Grace before meals This old family tradition makes sense. Taking 30 seconds to say thank you before eating grounds you in gratitude. And if you're eating alone, it's even more important: it's a moment to remind yourself that you're not alone, that this meal is a gift.
Transforming difficulties This is the advanced level. When faced with a trial, try asking yourself: "What can this situation teach me? What can I still give thanks for?" Not in denial of suffering, but in the confidence that God can draw good from even evil.
The Eucharist conscious Sunday Don't let Mass become a routine. Remember that you are there to to give thanks with the whole Church. Each "Let us give thanks to the Lord" is a personal invitation to unite yourself to this cosmic thanksgiving.
The fruits of a life lived in gratitude
When you cultivate this attitude of gratitude, profound changes take place within you.
Joy interior Gratitude is the antidote to bitterness. You complain less, you marvel more. Even in difficult times, you retain a core of joy because you know how to recognize what remains good.
Generosity When you know you're receiving freely abundant gifts, you naturally become more generous. It's logical: how can you keep things for yourself when you've received so many gifts?
Peace with oneself Thanksgiving frees you from constantly comparing yourself to others. Instead of focusing on what others have that you don't, you appreciate what you have been given. What a liberation!
Spiritual growth Paradoxically, the more you give thanks, the more sensitive you become to the new graces God gives you. It's a virtuous circle: gratitude opens the door to more grace, which in turn generates more gratitude.
Thanksgiving and Sacramental Life
The sacraments These are the privileged places where grace received and thanksgiving meet. Let's look at some concrete examples.
Baptism We receive sanctifying grace, we become children of God. Our whole life then becomes a long act of thanksgiving for this initial gift that changes everything.
The Eucharist This is the sacrament of thanksgiving par excellence. You receive the Body of Christ (supreme grace), and in receiving it, you say thank you for everything: for creation, for the incarnation, for redemption, for your life, for everything.
Reconciliation You receive: forgiveness (grace of forgiveness), and your penance can be experienced as an act of thanksgiving for this incredible mercy.
The wedding The spouses receive the grace of the sacrament to love each other faithfully. Each day of their life together can become an act of thanksgiving for the gift of the other.
Giving thanks even in times of hardship: the testimony of the saints
It's easy to give thanks when everything is going well. But what about in dark times?
The saints give us moving examples. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, in her death throes, tuberculosis ravaging her lungs, continued to say thank you. Saint Maximilian Kolbe, in the death bunker at Auschwitz, led his companions in prayer and thanksgiving.
This is not spiritual masochism. It is the profound conviction that, even in the midst of the worst trials, God is present, His grace is at work, and He can be trusted. Giving thanks in times of trial is affirming that darkness will not have the last word.
For you, in practical terms, this might mean: in this illness, giving thanks for the attentive caregivers, for the presence of a loved one, for the strength to hold on for another day. In this grief, giving thanks for the years shared, for the love that remains, for the hope of eternal life.
Living with grace every day: concrete suggestions
Cultivating a spirituality of grace
How can you make grace not just a theological concept but the heart of your spiritual life?
Start with awareness of your poverty Paradoxically, it is by recognizing that you can do nothing on your own that you open yourself most to grace. "Without me, you can do nothing," says Jesus. This isn't depressing; it's liberating! You don't have to carry everything alone.
Learn to ask Prayers of petition are not a sign of weakness but of spiritual realism. You need God's grace. Ask for it! "Ask and you will receive," promises Jesus.
Develop your sacramental life : The sacraments These are the privileged channels of grace. Confess regularly, receive communion devoutly, and attend Mass every Sunday (or more often if possible). This isn't ritualism; it's connecting with the source.
Practice silence Grace often works in silence. Set aside periods of silence in your week. Turn everything off, sit in God's presence, and listen. Sometimes, grace speaks in that silence.
Stay connected with other believers Grace does not isolate you, it connects you. Have a parish community, a prayer group, friends in faith with whom to share, pray, and grow.
Collaborating with grace: your part in God's work
Beware of a common misunderstanding: saying that "everything is thanks" does not mean that you have nothing to do, that you are passive like a puppet.
God's grace always respects your freedom. It offers you, it draws you in, it helps you, but it never forces you. You must "cooperate" with grace, as theologians say.
Concretely:
Faced with temptation Grace gives you the strength to resist, but it is you who must say no. God will not say no for you.
In an effort to convert Grace inspires you, pushes you, supports you. But it is you who must take the concrete steps: ask for forgiveness, change this behavior, repair this fault.
In prayer Grace gives you the desire to pray and the ability to do so. But it is you who must sit down, open the Bible, and enter into silence.
It's a subtle dance between God's action and your own. Neither everything to wait for passively ("God willing, it will happen on its own"), nor wanting to do everything by your own strength ("I don't need anyone"). But moving forward hand in hand with grace.
Recognizing the graces received: a renewed examination of conscience
The examination of conscience, this spiritual practice traditional, can be wonderfully transformed if you direct it towards the recognition of graces.
Instead of only asking yourself in the evening, "What did I do wrong today?", also ask yourself, "What blessings did I receive today?"«
Perhaps unexpected patience with a difficult person. Perhaps joy felt in prayer. Perhaps an inspiration that guided you in a decision. Perhaps the strength to forgive. Perhaps simply health, shelter, and food.
By listing daily blessings in this way, you develop a "memory of grace." In moments of spiritual dryness, you can draw upon this memory: "God has already acted so many times in my life; He is not absent now."«
To pass on the grace received
Grace is never given solely for you. It is given so that you may pass it on, so that you yourself may become an instrument of grace for others.
Think about it: every time you comfort someone, you are an instrument of God's comforting grace. Every time you forgive, you are an instrument of his merciful grace. Every time you encourage, you are an instrument of his strengthening grace.
This radically transforms your perspective on your daily actions. Your smile to the tired cashier? Grace. Your attentive listening to a friend in distress? Grace. Your quiet service in the parish? Grace.
You are not just someone who is kind or helpful. You are a channel of God's grace in the world. What a responsibility! What dignity!
Grace, that somewhat old-fashioned word we hear at mass, reveals a stunning reality: God loves you freely, He leans towards you with tenderness, He acts in your life to transform and save you, and all this without you having to deserve it.
To be touched by grace is to experience God's action in your life, sometimes dramatically, more often discreetly but undeniably. It is to discover a strength that does not come from within you, a peace that transcends all, a joy that transcends even trials.
Giving thanks is the right response to this immense gift. It is saying thank you, not out of politeness, but because your heart overflows with gratitude. It is transforming your life into a continuous act of thanksgiving, seeing in every event an opportunity to acknowledge God's love.
So, practically speaking, what should we do now? Perhaps start with a simple prayer: «Lord, thank you for all the graces I have received today. Help me to recognize them more fully, to respond to them with greater generosity.» And then open your eyes to tomorrow, alert to the many graces, both small and great, that God will surely bestow upon you.
Because that's the good news: grace isn't reserved for a few exceptional saints. It's for you, right here, right now, in your ordinary life. All you have to do is recognize it, welcome it, and live by it.
