. . . it’s interesting to note
that the works James lists as necessary for having a saving faith (clothing the
naked and feeding the hungry) are of the same type that Jesus says will merit
eternal life: “inherit the kingdom prepared for you . . . for I was hungry and
you gave me food . . . I was naked and you clothed me” (Matt. 25:35-36).
It’s not unreasonable to conclude
that James had this teaching in mind when he spoke of the corporeal works of
mercy. And if so, then the justification he has in mind is not one that is
relative to the sight of men, but one that is wrought by God. (Karlo Broussard,
Meeting the Protestant Response: How to Answer Common Comebacks to Catholic
Arguments [El Cajon, Calif.: Catholic Answers Press, 2022], 232)
