No matter how many good deeds I do as a next-door neighbor to my friend’s billionaire father, I will not receive a penny of his inheritance. Even if my friend is lazier than me, has vices I don’t have, and doesn’t give alms like I do, he will get the inheritance and I won’t.

So it is with those who have been invited to be adopted sons and daughters of God as living, practicing members of His family the Church – but have said “No, thanks, I’d rather live on my own terms.” After death when they see others receive their inheritance in the kingdom of God, who were not the “good person” they were, there will be eternal regret; or, as Scripture says, “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Lk 13:28).

Before any good works can take on transcendent or meritorious value, it is first necessary to be a living, active member of His household. This means taking His name (Christian), being clothed with His grace (Baptism, Confirmation), sharing supper (Eucharist) with Him regularly from the altar of His house (the Church), and living according to His rules (moral doctrine).