The Spiritual & Corporal Works of Mercy
This week, I have been musing on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. While I have known about these 14 works for a long time, I recently realized that it is important for me to revisit them, contemplate them, and think about how I can implement them more into my daily life.
What are the works of mercy? The works of mercy guide us in acting charitably towards our neighbors, both spiritually and corporally. Countless examples are found in the actions and teachings of Jesus in the Gospels. The works of mercy are aimed at alleviating the suffering of others and, especially the spiritual works, guide souls to God.
The works of mercy serve as guides to help us help our neighbor, both spiritually and corporally.
The 7 Corporal Works of Mercy:
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit prisoners
Bury the dead
Give alms to the poor
The 7 Spiritual Works of Mercy:
Counseling the doubtful
Instructing the ignorant
Admonishing the sinner
Comforting the sorrowful
Forgiving injuries
Bearing wrongs patiently
Praying for the living and the dead
If prompted to perform a work of mercy, it is best to act promptly and with devotion to God and neighbor. Answering the call to serve the poor and suffering is important because we are all, here on earth, the hands of Christ. He loves others through us, and he loves us through others.
Below, you can access examples of how to perform spiritual and corporal works of mercy.