CHAPTER 16 The Works of Mercy and Happiness “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” Matthew 5:7 We grow in virtue, particularly in practicing them, think of how you can practice these in the Works of Mercy. In these acts we show our your life. Remember that the heart and soul of love for Christ by helping our neighbor. Our each of these works is love; love is their mov- Lord told us, “Then the righteous will answer ing force. him: ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and Spiritual Works feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome Admonish the sinner. Because sin separates you, or naked and clothe you? And when did one from God, it is truly an act of love to help we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ another person realize the seriousness of sin And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say and the need for forgiveness. This does not to you, as you did it to one of the least of these mean humiliating someone in public or acting my brethren, you did it to me’ ” (Mt 25:37–40). as if we ourselves have never sinned. Rather, Since we have both bodies and souls—and we should quietly and tactfully steer our friends both require care—the Works of Mercy are away from occasions of sin or encourage those divided into two groups. We care for our who have sinned to seek forgiveness in the neighbors’ souls and spiritual needs through Sacrament of Penance, giving them hope that the Spiritual Works of Mercy. We care for they will be able to overcome sinful ways with their bodies and physical needs through Cor- the mercy of God. poral Works of Mercy (the Latin word corpus Instruct the ignorant. Helping a person to means “body”). learn or understand the truths that God has re- Because our souls are the most important vealed to us is a second way to nourish anoth- part of our human nature—the part by which er’s spiritual life. Our religion teachers and we can think, know, and freely choose good or parents, of course, do this for us, but there are evil—the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy are also other ways to practice this Work of Mercy the most important. As we consider each of as well. There are many people who have not 110 Permission to use until August 2020. heard the message of the gospel in its fullness. forgive him for his sins. These people need lov- We can often find opportunities to tell them ing guidance and encouragement to strength- about it, remembering the words of Our Lord: en them, thus bringing them closer to God once No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a more. Comfort the sorrowful. Suffering is a part cellar or under a bushel, but on a stand, of our life in this world. Indeed, Our Lord told that those who enter may see the light us that those who wish to follow him must (Lk 11:33). first take up their cross, just as he took up his We have been given the “light of faith” and Cross for us. We all have our own specific should not hide it but should let it shine forth. crosses that Our Lord asks us to bear out of However, we must avoid preaching or acting love for him. This is not always easy, and this as if we know all the answers. Work of Mercy reminds us that we should help Counsel the doubtful. To counsel someone one another to bear the sufferings in our lives. means giving him advice or guidance. Those Sometimes a word of love and understanding who most need this counsel are people who can help. Sometimes a kind deed can lighten are weak in the virtues of faith and hope. For the burden of someone else’s suffering. example, someone may reject certain beliefs Bear wrongs patiently. It is important to re- of the Faith—or at least question them—or member that it is better to suffer an injustice may fall into despair, doubting that God will than to be guilty of committing one ourselves. 111 Permission to use until August 2020. In his Sermon on the Mount, Our Lord said: Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the I say to you. Love your enemies, do foundation of the world; for I was hun- good to those who hate you, bless those gry and you gave me food, I was thirsty who curse you, pray for those who abuse and you gave me drink, I was a stranger you. To him who strikes you on the and you welcomed me, I was naked and cheek, offer the other also; and from him you clothed me, I was sick and you vis- who takes away your cloak do not with- ited me, I was in prison and you came to hold your coat as well (Lk 6:27–29). me (Mt 25:34–36). This true charity is the mark of the Christian, Feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and we must learn to be patient and strong and clothe the naked. Most of us have been when we are the victims of injustice. It is by greatly blessed by God. Nevertheless, there are such actions that we may draw others to Christ. many people in the world—even some in our Forgive all injuries. Not only must we pa- country—who lack many of the basic needs of tiently bear these wrongs, we must also for- life. We must not neglect these people. It is an give those who injure us. In the Lord ’s Prayer, obligation of charity to help them. While we which Jesus taught us, we say, “Forgive us our may not be able to help these people directly trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass or dramatically, we can contribute money or against us” (Mt 6:12). This means the mea- possessions to groups whose works are such sure by which we forgive will be the measure charitable activities. For example, there may by which God will forgive us. By forgiving be an organization in your parish—such as the others we imitate the love that Christ shows St. Vincent de Paul Society—which carries out for us. He offers forgiveness to all—even those these Works of Mercy. who put him to death on the Cross. These Works of Mercy start in the family. Pray for the living and the dead. We have Parents are responsible for seeing that their already seen that the Communion of Saints children are fed and clothed. In the same way, means that we can pray for one another. This when the children are older they are respon- act of love is one of the easiest—and one of sible for taking care of these needs for their the most important—ways to help others. We aging parents. At this point in our lives we can recall that charity toward our neighbor in- practice these Works of Mercy in simple ways. cludes our enemies, and our prayers should For example, we can prepare lunch for a hun- extend to them as well. When we pray for gry brother or sister or share some of our those who have died, let us remember not only clothes with others in our family. Families to- our relatives and friends, but also those souls gether can reach out to other poorer families. who are most forgotten. These acts of mercy will prepare us for great- er works as we grow older. Corporal Works Visit the imprisoned. There are many kinds of people in prison. There is the hardened The seven Corporal Works of Mercy are criminal. Some great conversions have taken those acts of love that Our Lord spoke about place among the most hardened, and perhaps when he described the Last Judgment. To those the grace they received came through the pray- who practice these works Our Lord will say: ers or kindness of people who knew them. 112 Permission to use until August 2020. The Spiritual The Corporal Works of Mercy Works of Mercy Admonish the sinner Feed the hungry Instruct the ignorant Give drink to the thirsty Counsel the doubtful Clothe the naked Comfort the sorrowful Visit the imprisoned Bear wrongs patiently Shelter the homeless Forgive all injuries Visit the sick Pray for the living Bury the dead and the dead There are some who were weak and made mis- can practice this Work of Mercy by being takes but are now sorry for what they have willing to share our homes with someone in done. These people need to be encouraged, so need —for example, a friend whose home has that they will continue to reform their lives. been damaged by a fire or flood. We can also Some are innocent. If we are able, we should willingly share our own room with a brother help them obtain justice. In the meantime, they or sister if this is needed in our family. need our support. Visit the sick. The sick are often frightened There are still other people who are not in and may be in particular need of encourage- jail, but whose state in life can be like a prison ment. It is not always easy for those of us who —separating them from other people and the are healthy to understand the suffering that sick support such contact brings.