CCC 2006
Life in Christ›SECTION ONE MAN'S VOCATION LIFE IN THE SPIRIT›CHAPTER THREE GOD'S SALVATION: LAW AND GRACE›III. Merit
The term "merit" refers in general to the recompense owed by a community or a society for the action of one of its members, experienced either as beneficial or harmful, deserving reward or punishment. Merit is relative to the virtue of justice, in conformity with the principle of equality which governs it.