These
charitable actions are as needed in our world today as they have ever
been. Pope John Paul II tells
us in his encyclical, Rich in Mercy, “Jesus Christ taught that
man not only receives and experiences the mercy of God, but that he is
also called to practice mercy towards others: ‘Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.’”
In
the modern world there are many ways to put our Lord’s words into
action. When we volunteer at
a soup kitchen, organize a food drive, participate in a meal delivery
program for the elderly or share a snack, we are “feeding the hungry.”
When
we conserve water, support
legislation to improve the environment, make
sure we understand the causes of water pollution or participate in
recycling programs, we are “giving drink to the thirsty.”
When
we donate to clothing drives, join in helping out after a fire or flood,
contribute to programs aiding underdeveloped countries, or aid someone in
finding a better job, we are “clothing the naked.”
When
we contribute to a disaster relief program, participate in a home
rebuilding project, provide a temporary home for a friend down on his luck
or make a new neighbor feel welcome in our community, we are “sheltering
the homeless.”
When
we volunteer at the local hospital, take an elderly neighbor to the
doctor’s office, send a get-well card to an ill co-worker or check on an
ailing relative, we are “visiting the sick.”
When
we volunteer for a local prison ministry, say an extra prayer for the
family of a prisoner, support a job-training program to rehabilitate
inmates, or participate in a program to help those imprisoned for
political or religious beliefs, we are “visiting those in prison.”
When
we send a Mass card for the deceased relative of a friend, pray for the
terminally ill or deceased, comfort someone who has lost a family member
or attend a wake service, we are “burying the dead.”
In
our ever-busier daily life, take time each day to be aware of all the
immediate and present opportunities to practice the Corporal Works of
Mercy. By just treating those
around us as we would like to be treated.
"This
is how all will know that you are my disciples:
by your love for one another." (John 13:35)
The
Spiritual Works of Mercy
To
be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to live a life that is pleasing to Him, a
life that imitates His. Because
Jesus is God, He is love and His life was so full of love that He laid his
life down for others. To
imitate Jesus, to walk in His footsteps, we too must lay down our life for
our brothers and sisters.
To
lay down one’s life is to think of others rather than oneself, to have
compassion for one another, and if possible, to alleviate another's
misfortune. This loving kindness, compassion, and forbearance is the love
that Jesus calls us to. These
practices are known as Works of Mercy.
The
Corporal Works of Mercy are well known: Feed the hungry and so on.
The
Spiritual Works of Mercy are somewhat abstract but are every bit as
important. They are actions
by which we come to the aid of our neighbors in their spiritual need. They
include instructing, advising, consoling, comforting, forgiving, and
patiently forbearing.
To
Counsel the Doubtful —
Indecision in life, incertitude, and little confidence in oneself, are
very often accompanied by great suffering which makes one filled with
dread and fear. Listening and
being attentive to others’ concerns is something we can all do.
To give advice or counsel requires a competence that comes from
instruction in the faith and much prayer.
To
Instruct the Ignorant — Jesus entrusted us with the task of continuing
His mission to "Go and teach all nations…."
There are many opportunities to instruct the ignorant.
We can instruct in a formal program such as PREP (Parish Religious
Education Program), mothers and fathers teach in the family, but most of
all we teach by example, living a Christian life.
To
Admonish the Sinner — This must be done with great love and concern for
the person. It does not mean
to lecture or to treat badly, but to warn gently, to invite to renounce a
bad life for the love of God
To
Console the Afflicted — Take the time to listen to those who are
suffering and have worries.
To
Forgive Offenses — This is not optional, but is obligatory for all. Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespass against us.”
If we do not forgive we will not be forgiven.
To
Bear Wrongs Patiently — There are always crosses we have to bear such as
enduring those with whom we differ, those whom we think have character
flaws, those who cause our hearts to break.
Love them as they are, with their characters, their personalities
and their deficiencies. Always accomplish this through the love of God,
for our Heavenly Father desires that we love each other mutually.
None of us is perfect and God asks us to excuse our brothers’ and
sisters’ faults.
To
Pray for the Living and the Dead
—
Jesus said, "Pray always."
