The Works of Mercy are vital practices in Catholic life, showing how we can serve others both physically and spiritually. But what exactly are they, and why are they a necessity to us as Catholics?
- What Are the Works of Mercy?
- Why They Matter
- An Example of Living out the Works of Mercy
- How to Practice the Works of Mercy
- Reflect and Act
- Additional Resources
What Are the Works of Mercy?
The Works of Mercy are charitable actions given by Christ in the Bible that guide in caring for both the physical and spiritual needs of others. These teachings are found in the Gospels, particularly in Matthew 25:31–46. They are divided into the Corporal Works of Mercy , which address physical needs, and the Spiritual Works of Mercy , which focus on the soul.
Corporal Works of Mercy address physical needs:
- Feed the hungry: Provide food to those in need.
- Give drink to the thirsty: Offer water to those in need.
- Clothe the naked: Donate clothes.
- Shelter the homeless: Offer a place to stay.
- Visit the imprisoned: Spend time with those in prison.
- Care for the sick: Attend to those who are ill.
- Bury the dead: Ensure the deceased are laid to rest.
Spiritual Works of Mercy address emotional and spiritual needs:
- Instruct the ignorant: Teach those who lack knowledge.
- Counsel the doubtful: Offer guidance to the uncertain.
- Admonish the sinner: Encourage repentance gently.
- Bear wrongs patiently: Endure wrongs without retaliation.
- Forgive willingly: Let go of grudges.
- Comfort the afflicted: Support those who are suffering.
- Pray for the living and the dead: Intercede through prayer.
Why They Matter
In Matthew 25:31–46, Jesus teaches that serving both sprititual and corporal needs of a person is equivalent to serving Him. “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). Because of this teaching, Catholic tradition adopted the Works of Mercy.
An Example of Living out the Works of Mercy
But remember, we don’t all have to live out like this. We all have opportunities every single day in different ways to live them out.
View this post on Instagram
How to Practice the Works of Mercy in Your Daily Life
What are the ways we can incorporate these spiritual and corporal acts into your daily life? Here are some quick ideas, along with whether they are a corporal or spiritual Work of Mercy :
- Feed and clothe (coporal) those in need: Donate to your local charity, food bank, or a charity of your choice.
- Offer shelter and support (both): This may seem like a big commitment, but it could be something as small as offering to pray together with a friend who is struggling, or open your home to a lonely friend or neighbor who needs help.
- Visit and care (coporal) for the sick: Someone doesn’t need to be in poor health to be considered “sick.” We can have spiritual illness as well. Have a friend in need? Make sure you’re there for your friends and family, not justphysically, but emotionally and spiritually.
- Teach, guide, and forgive (spiritual) others: Be an example of a Christian to those around you – be kind, open, and don’t take life too seriously.
- Pray (spiritual) for those who are suffering: Take a few minutes throughout your day to say a prayer for those you love. Offer up a Divine Mercy chaplet for anyone you know who is struggling.
Reflect and Act
Look for opportunities around you to practice these Works of Mercy. They not only help those in need but deepen your relationship with Jesus.
Want some more ideas? Check out our master list of ideas for how to live out the Corporal Works of Mercy here!
Additional Resources
Feel like an expert on the Works of Mercy now? Continue the learning on our blog. Check out more of our posts, like How Do You Become A Saint? Cannonization 101 and Why Do Catholics Go to Adoration?
For more great Catholic resources, check out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEK conference, and our YouTube channel for videos and more!
Give
