The spiritual works of mercy are convert the sinner, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, comfort the sorrowful, bear wrongs patiently, forgive injuries, and pray for the living and the dead. The spiritual works of mercy focus on ministering to the spiritual needs of our neighbors. The corporal works of mercy are feed the hungry, give drink the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the prisoner, and bury the dead. “They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life” (USCCB ). The corporal works of mercy focus on the bodily needs of our neighbors. They give Christians ways to live according to Jesus’ Great Commandment.” The corporal and spiritual works of mercy work together as paths to Salvation. To gain merit in heaven, the actions must be performed as acts of love for our neighbor as a response to our deep love for God.
Offering works of mercy with sincerity provides us a path toward heaven.Īs Joe Poprocki puts it so beautifully here, “The works of mercy are more than gestures or obligations.
They give us a model for how to treat others, as if they were Jesus in disguise. The works of mercy are ancient charitable practices found in the teachings of Jesus.
