You will say, perhaps, that since you cooperate with grace, a part of the result ought to be attributed to you, and that you may share the fruits at least by the right of the farmer whose labor increases the value of his master's lands. Not at all! Your own labor becomes valuable only by the grace which accompanies it, elevating it, rendering, it supernatural and meritorious, just as it had commenced it. Doubtless, God will reward you, but it will be His own gifts that He will crown in your merits. And so, there is no moment, neither at the commencement, the middle, nor the end, when you may consider yourself as acting by yourself, by your own strength.
--St. Peter Julian Eymard
