The Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy
The Heart of Charity as Practiced by the Church
The spiritual and corporal works of mercy were at the heart of charity as practiced by the early Church. The first generation of Christians shared what they had, so that no one among them would be in need (cf. Acts 4:34-35). They strove to make their community a welcoming home, concerned for every human need and ready to care for those most in need. It became customary to make voluntary offerings in order to feed the poor, bury the dead and care for orphans, the elderly and victims of disasters like shipwrecks.... After the persecutions of the first centuries, the Church used her newfound freedom to inspire society and its culture. “The needs of the times called forth new efforts in the service of Christian charity. History records innumerable examples of practical works of mercy… The Church’s work among the poor was to a great extent highly organized. There arose many institutions for the relief of every human need: hospitals, poor houses, orphanages, foundling homes, shelters for travelers ...”
--Pope Francis, A CULTURE OF CARE AS A PATH TO PEACE, January 1, 2021
--Pope Francis, A CULTURE OF CARE AS A PATH TO PEACE, January 1, 2021
The Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
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The Works of Mercy are performed by believers insofar as they are able, in accordance with the Beatitude, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Gospel of Matthew 5:7). They are also required as a matter of obedience to the second of the two greatest commandments: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:35-40).
Our Family Page offers practical suggestions for practicing the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. |
The Corporal Works of Mercy
The Corporal Works of Mercy are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They "are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily needs" (USCCA). They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life. The seven Corporal Works of Mercy are listed on the website of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops along with suggestions and words of advice for living them out in our daily lives. |
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Be Merciful: Reflections on
the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy In calling us to reflect on the long-standing works of mercy, Pope Francis stands in the very center of the Christian tradition. In this affordable easy-to-use resource, Bill Huebsch offers six complete sessions (read, reflect, pray, act) on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy for individual and small group study. |
What is Mercy?
"Mercy is entering into the chaos of another person's life." Father James Martin shares as part of the Mercy Video Series from CRS. |
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