III. Merit

From The Catechism of the Catholic Church

2010
Since the initiative belongs to God in the order of grace, no one can merit the
initial grace of forgiveness and justification, at the beginning of conversion.
Moved by the Holy Spirit and by charity, we can then merit for ourselves and
for others the graces needed for our sanctification, for the increase of grace
and charity, and for the attainment of eternal life. Even temporal goods like
health and friendship can be merited in accordance with God’s wisdom. These
graces and goods are the object of Christian prayer. Prayer attends to the
grace we need for meritorious actions.

PART THREE: LIFE IN CHRIST