Yesterday’s gospel reading concluded with this passage:

“Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do’” (Lk 17:9-10).

This passage reminds us of the difference between minimal obligation and that which is over and above. Both are necessary for the spiritual life.

There are certain religious obligations that must first be met to maintain a healthy relationship with God and neighbor. However, stopping there misses the point. On the other hand, trying to win God’s favor by doing good works while bypassing the minimal obligations is even worse. You can’t build your house without first laying down the foundation. Nonetheless, a foundation alone is incomplete.

For the Catholic, these minimum obligations are comprised of the ‘You shalls’ of the Church precepts and the ‘You shall nots’ of the Ten Commandments. The first are minimal obligations for maintaining one’s relationship with God (the first ‘tablet’ of the Commandments), which necessarily include weekly Mass attendance and regular visits to Confession as needed. The second are the minimal boundaries that define what it means to love one’s neighbor (the second tablet).

Only after living a life that incorporates these minimal obligations to God and neighbor can our good works become meritorious and salvific. BEING in the state of grace in union with God must come before DOING good things pleasing to Him that transcend obligation. Both are needed. In other words, if you’re not actively aboard Noah’s Ark of the Covenant, it doesn’t matter how good a swimmer you are or how nice you are to the fish – you’re going to drown.

It’s no wonder Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen the better part (Lk 10:42) – even though both are important.