Works of self-denial, done in imitation of Christ, show that some faith has awaken in the person. Faith cannot be separated form good works. Our faith is what we do.
So Catholicism sets up its own set of *works* which the believer has to do to earn his salvation.
Interesting. Because if the law handed down by God couldn't save, and Paul tells us that if there had been a law that could have saved, righteousness would have come by the law.
What makes the RCC have the chutzpah to declare its own set of works that people must keep to become righteous and earn salvation.
If GOD couldn't come up with something, then man certainly can't and anyone who tells you so is lying to you.
Catholicism in a NUT shell!