Nemo habet quod non dandum est

Ministers of Mercy

All of my life I have assumed that in order to be able to direct others in the faith it was enough to be faithful, based on a misapplication of the principle: nemo dat quod non habet: no one can give what he does not have.

Yes, it is reasonable to assume that you must strive for holiness in order to show others the ways of holiness.

But now in my sixth decade of life I realize that this principle does not actually complete the apostolic mission. Another principle is necessary.

To pursue personal holiness in order to impart it is not enough because it's not automatic. You might be holy and not good at the apostolate.

Yes, one must do what is reasonable to form oneself spiritually and intellectually, etc., in order to have adequate resources for assisting souls. But there are other elements involved in the apostolate, namely the actual doing it.

1. You must also be able to impart what you have and also actually impart it. No one gives what he does not have, but nor does one give what he does not give. There must be an other-directedness also to the acquisition if it is to be apostolic. No one has anything which is not meant to be given: nemo habet quod non dandum est. What good is it for you to understand everything and not be able to explain anything? And what good is it to be able to explain and to never actually do it? Seek to acquire the tools for imparting the gifts you have been given. They are not to be hoarded! And do it, actually give them!

Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come follow me. Matthew 19:21

2. And God expects us to figure out ways to do it.

And the lord commended the unjust steward, forasmuch as he had done wisely: for the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light. Luke 16:8

 3. Furthermore, holiness is never perfectly had. Christ (and the angels and the saints in heaven) is the only expert and all the rest of us are learners. His grace is sufficient. If you have Him and His word and His sacraments to impart, you have everything. And the only other tools you might need is to be able to speak the language of your audience. And, again, just do it!

Freely have you received, freely give. Matthew 10:8

This is the principle of gratia gratis data, which does not actually depend on the worthiness of the minister (gratia gratis faciens), because Christ is the principle agent of His grace in the conversion of sinners to Him and of all holiness.

A priest is a minister of mercy, not just a recipient thereof! Everything he has has been given to Him in order to give to others for the glory of God.

P.S. Blogs are a venue for that very giving!