My question is in regards to sanctifying grace. I have come across this issue when reading debates between the Eastern Orthodox and Catholics. The Orthodox believe that sanctifying grace is uncreated. They make a distinction between God's essence and His energies. I believe they teach that God's energies are what constitute sanctifying grace. On the other hand, St. Thomas Aquinas for example, teaches that there is no distinction between God's essence and His energies because He is absolutely simple. He teaches that sanctifying grace is created. I've never quite understood this. To be honest, when I think of sanctifying grace, I think of the Trinity dwelling within my soul emitting light or power which purifies me and makes me more holy. From what I understand, what I envision sounds more like the Eastern Orthodox idea of sanctifying grace. Can anyone explain CREATED sanctifying grace to me? If sanctifying grace is created, what exactly does it consist of? I've heard sanctifying grace described as a created share in God's Divinity. How exactly are we sharing in God's Divinity if the means to do so, sanctifying grace, is something created outside of God's Divine essence?
*Also, actual grace would be considered created too, correct?