How to be a righteous person ?

In Catholic teaching, being a righteous person (living a life of rectitude and holiness) involves both God's gift of grace and a human response of faith and good works, rather than solely one's own effort. Righteousness is viewed as an inner transformation and renewal of the person, not just a legal declaration of being sinless. 

Core Catholic Teachings

• Justification as an Ongoing Process: Justification, the process by which a person is made righteous, begins with baptism and continues throughout life through cooperation with God's grace. It involves not only the forgiveness of sins but also the sanctification and renewal of the inner person.

• Faith and Works: While faith in Jesus Christ is essential for justification, this faith is a "working faith" that manifests itself in good works. The Catholic Church teaches that a person must "work out their own salvation with fear and trembling," meaning they must actively live out their faith through actions.

• Mercy and Justice: Righteousness in action is characterized by merciful justice and just mercy. St. Joseph, for example, is described as a "righteous man" because he sought to show Mary mercy when he learned she was pregnant before they lived together, choosing to dismiss her quietly to minimize her pain.

• Humility vs. Self-Righteousness: A truly righteous person is humble and recognizes their need for God's mercy, much like the tax collector in the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14). They avoid spiritual pride and judging others, acknowledging that all are sinners saved by God's grace.

• Obedience to God's Will: Righteousness is fundamentally about obedience to God's will and His commandments. The Law of the Lord is seen as perfect, and keeping the commandments is the way to be holy. 

Samples of a Righteous Catholic Life

Practical examples of living a righteous life, according to Catholic teaching, include daily actions and a spiritual disposition: 

• Acts of Charity: Giving to the needy should be done with a pure heart, in secret if possible, for the glory of God rather than human praise.

• Prayer and Fasting: Engaging in genuine prayer as a personal conversation with God and practicing fasting for self-denial, repentance, and intensifying prayer, with the right motives.

• Integrity and Honesty: Walking with integrity, speaking the truth in one's heart, and keeping one's word, regardless of the cost.

• Love and Forgiveness: Loving one's neighbor and one's enemies, forgiving others' sins, and avoiding slander and gossip. Jesus taught that we must forgive others as God has forgiven us.

• Pursuing Godly Virtues: Actively cultivating virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

• Seeking Reconciliation: Instead of harboring anger, a righteous person actively seeks reconciliation with those they have disagreements with. 

Ultimately, the goal is to be transformed into the image of Christ through intimacy with God, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide actions and interactions.