As we begin this Jubilee Year of Mercy, let us all call to mind how we can be merciful to our neighbor as God is merciful to us. Living in a world in much need of mercy and healing, Pope Francis has asked us to be a witness of mercy by reflecting on and practicing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. We all have the opportunity to show compassion, understanding, forgiveness, and kindness to another in real need.
Corporal Works of Mercy
1) Feed the hungry.
2) Give drink to the thirsty.
3) Clothe the naked.
4) Shelter the homeless.
5) Visit those in prison.
6) Comfort the sick.
7) Bury the dead.
Spiritual Works of Mercy
1) Admonish sinners.
2) Instruct the uninformed.
3) Counsel the doubtful.
4) Comfort the sorrowful.
5) Be patient with those in error.
6) Forgive offenses.
7) Pray for the living and the dead.
“Christ has no body on earth now but yours, no hands but yours. Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which He is to bless His people.” -St. Theresa of Avila
“The Gospel calls us to be close to the poor and forgotten, and to give them real hope.” -Pope Francis
Photo by Tori Kadish at the Rite of the opening of the Door of Mercy Ceremony at The Cathedral of Saint Perter in Chains on Sunday, December 13, 2015 with Celebrant Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr
Open Wide the Door of Mercy