What are Works of Mercy? How do we do them? Pt 2

by Admin · March 4, 2016

Dating back to the 1100s, the corporal and spiritual works of mercy are a means of practising a living faith. Matthew tells us “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”.

Previously we discussed the Spiritual Works of Mercy

Corporal works of Mercy

Feed the Hungary

Feeding the hungry may seem straightforward in that you can donate food to charities or join a parish relief group, most of whom do wonderful work feeding the poor through soup kitchens and the like. Another aspect to this work of mercy is to educate ourselves on the problem of hunger worldwide and see if we can contribute towards change locally.

Give drink to the thirsty

There is a wider social dimension to this work of mercy. Thirst may come in different forms, both physical and spiritual. Make sure you are providing both for your fellow man.

Clothe the Naked

Perhaps in medieval times people actually had to go naked but we see less of this nowadays, thankfully. That doesn’t mean that people aren’t getting cold every winter and in desperate need of clothing and blankets. And if we took an honest look at our wardrobes we’d see that we are able to give away many things we no longer wear.

Visit the imprisoned

‘I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security” (The Joy of the Gospel). Probably the work of mercy that is least undertaken, visiting people in jail can be problematic but that doesn’t stop courageous people who make this part of their work. You can support prisoners in other ways such as writing to them and even praying for them.

Shelter the homeless

‘Every human being is the object of God’s infinite tenderness, Appearances notwithstanding every person is immensely holy and deserves our love.” Pope Francis here is telling us that if we realise that every person is worthy of our giving, we will be able to share our lives with others and generously give of ourselves.

The current refugee crisis worldwide requires us to see others as immensely valuable and offer them shelter. The Jesuit Refugee Serviceassists people who come into the country, often with nothing other than what they are carrying. Supporting a service like this can make a world of difference for those who have to flee their own countries.

Visit the Sick

Visiting the sick is not restricted to visiting hospitals or sick beds. There are those who are lonely or abandoned and those who are in need of friendship. Often the people in need are sitting next to us at Mass. Reach out to them.

Bury the dead

In medieval times it was up to relatives to bury family members. While we don’t have to do this physically ourselves now, we may still assist others financially and emotionally with burial costs and preparations.

Offering Masses for the repose of souls is a very old tradition which brings much comfort for those left behind.

That’s the list of the corporate and spiritual works of mercy and while they may seem daunting let’s take heart in the words of St Vincent de Paul: “Go to the poor: you will find God.”