Visit the Imprisoned Corporal Works of Mercy Clip Art Spiritual Works of Mercy Forgive All Injuries

"In a world which, unfortunately, has been damaged by the virus of indifference, the works of mercy are the best antitoxin."

– Pope Francis

Above: taking steps to care for the marginalised and vulnerable, Sisters of Charity follow the example of St (Female parent) Teresa of Calcutta.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, works of mercy are "charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities" [2447] and are inspired by examples given in Scripture, specially in the Gospel of the Beatitudes:

… I was hungry and y'all gave me nutrient, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and y'all took intendance of me, I was in prison house and you visited me.' And then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when was it that we saw yous hungry and gave y'all nutrient, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was information technology that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?' And the king will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' (Matthew 25: 31 – 46)

Recently, Pope Francis has written and spoken about the works of mercy.  The Justice and Peace Function has provided a synthesis of this teaching beneath, along with further insight and guidance on undertaking these activities in today's world.

The Spiritual Works of Mercy are:

• Instructing the ignorant ;
• Advising or counselling the hundred-to-one ;
• Admonishing the sinner;
• Consoling & c omforting the sorrowful;
• Forgiving injuries;
• Bearing wrongs patiently; and
• Praying for the living and the dead.

The corporal works of mercy are:

• Feeding the hungry;
• Giving drinkable to the thirsty;
• Sheltering the homeless;
• Vesture the naked;
• Visiting the ill and imprisoned;
• Burying the dead; and
• Giving alms to the poor.

As Catholics, we see Christ in the marginalised , the vulnerable, the materially deprived and oppressed and their suffering and misery as an expression of the frailty of the homo condition.  We hold them close to the centre as an "object of a preferential love on the part of the Church building which, since her origin and in spite of the failings of many of her members, has not ceased to work for their relief, defense force, and liberation through numerous works of charity which remain indispensable always and everywhere" [Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2448].

Works of mercy that accost the 'social and political dimensions of the problem of poverty' are not just works of charity, only too of justice, which are pleasing to God (Compendium of Social Doctrine of the Cosmic Church, 184).  The Compendium states:  "In her teaching the Church constantly returns to this relationship between charity and justice: "When we attend to the needs of those in want, nosotros give them what is theirs, non ours. More than than performing works of mercy, we are paying a debt of justice". The Quango Fathers strongly recommended that this duty exist fulfilled correctly, remembering that "what is already due in justice is non to be offered as a gift of clemency". Dearest for the poor is certainly "incompatible with immoderate dearest of riches or their selfish use"" (ibid.)

Pope Francis calls u.s. "to reawaken our conscience [and] …enter more securely into the heart of the Gospel" ( Misericordiae Vultus). In a recent catechesis on the works of mercy, he reminds united states of america of the teaching of Jesus Christ:  "Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful" (Lk 6:36), saying this is "a responsibility that challenges the conscience and actions of every Christian".  He adds, "it is not enough to feel God's mercy in ane'south life; whoever receives it must also become a sign and musical instrument for others. Mercy, therefore, is not only reserved for particular moments, but information technology embraces our unabridged daily existence." (Full general Audition, 12 October 2016). Pope Francis notes that Jesus "introduces us to these works of mercy in his preaching so that we can know whether or not we are living as his disciples" ( Misericordiae Vultus) and writes that "the corporal and spiritual works of mercy go on in our own day to be proof of mercy's immense positive influence as a social value. Mercy impels united states of america to curl up our sleeves and gear up near restoring dignity to millions of people; they are our brothers and sisters who, with u.s., are called to build a "city which is reliable" (Misericordia et misera).  Further, Pope Francis provides guidance on giving expression to the traditional works of mercy, encouraging us to engage with and be responsive to the needs of the vulnerable and poor around the states:

Let the states make every effort, and then, to devise specific and responsible means of practising charity and the works of mercy. Mercy is inclusive and tends to expand in a fashion that knows no limits. Hence we are chosen to give new expression to the traditional works of mercy. For mercy overflows, keeps moving frontward, bears rich fruit. It is like the leaven that makes the dough rise (cf. Mt thirteen:33), or the mustard seed that grows into a tree (cf. Lk xiii:nineteen)…

The social character of mercy demands that we not simply stand by and do zippo. It requires us to banish indifference and hypocrisy, lest our plans and projects remain a dead letter. May the Holy Spirit help united states of america to contribute actively and selflessly to making justice and a dignified life not simply clichés simply a physical commitment of those who seek to carry witness to the presence of the Kingdom of God.

20.       We are called to promote a culture of mercy based on the rediscovery of encounter with others, a culture in which no i looks at another with indifference or turns away from the suffering of our brothers and sisters. The works of mercy are "handcrafted", in the sense that none of them is alike. Our hands can craft them in a m different ways, and even though the one God inspires them, and they are all fashioned from the same "textile", mercy itself, each one takes on a different form.

The works of mercy affect a person's entire life. For this reason, nosotros can set in motility a existent cultural revolution, beginning with simple gestures capable of reaching body and spirit, people's very lives. This is a delivery that the Christian community should accept upwards, in the noesis that God's word constantly calls us to leave behind the temptation to hide behind indifference and individualism in order to lead a comfy life free of bug. Jesus tells His disciples: "The poor will ever be with you" (Jn 12:viii). There is no excuse to justify not engaging with the poor when Jesus has identified Himself with each of them.

– Pope Francis, Misericordia et misera.

Equally our society changes and we are faced with challenging circumstances  affecting the nobility of people , we need to exist "artistic in developing new and practical forms of charitable outreach every bit concrete expressions of the way of mercy"(Bulletin for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation).  Works of mercy can address the immediate needs of individuals or contribute to the overall improvement of society, so every bit to reduce the likelihood our neighbours will find themselves in distress or poverty.  This is especially the case where the organisation and construction of lodge give rising to poverty as a systemic or global social issue (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church , #208).  O ne expression Pope Francis included  as both a spiritual and corporal work of mercy in 2016 is 'caring for creation'.  Referring to his recent encyclical, Laudato si', he noted that caring for creation calls for a "grateful contemplation of God's globe" (Laudato Si', 214) which "allows us to observe in each thing a teaching which God wishes to manus on to us".   He said it as well, requires "simple daily gestures which suspension with the logic of violence, exploitation and selfishness" and "makes itself felt in every action that seeks to build a better earth".  Click on the picture below to take yous to a contempo commodity by Cardinal Turkson elaborating on this piece of work of mercy.

Other novel expressions of the way of mercy suggested past Bishop Richard Umbers bear witness how nosotros might appoint in social media and other online activities and are well worth considering.

If you are seeking to undertake works of mercy , you lot might first by reading some of the resources listed below, forth with other materials independent in this website.  Then, consider what is happening in your community: read various media sources and detect what is happening as you lot go nigh your life.  Follow the 'encounter, estimate, human action' process and offset with a small-scale step.  The 'Encounter, Judge, Act' process, was adult by Belgian Cardinal Joseph Cardijn (1882–1967), who was the founder of the Young Christian Workers.  The procedure was taken up by Pope John XXIII in Mater et Magistra (at 236) to aid united states understand and reply to the signs of the time.  Basically, in that location are 3 steps to follow:  look around you lot and review the 'concrete situation'; form a judgment nearly the situation in light of the principles of Catholic social instruction; and decide what can and should exist washed to implement these principles.  A great resource developed by the Australian Social Justice Quango is written about this process, entitled 'Reading the Signs of the Times'.

In his recent catechesis on the works of mercy, Pope Francis too offered the following advice on how to begin:  "Information technology is ameliorate to begin with the simplest, which the Lord tells u.s. is the most urgent. In a world which, unfortunately, has been damaged by the virus of indifference, the works of mercy are the best antidote. In fact, they educate united states to be attentive to the most basic needs of "the least of these my brethren" (Mt 25:40), in whom Jesus is present. Jesus is always present at that place. Where in that location is need, there is someone who has demand, be it fabric or spiritual. Jesus is there. Recognizing his face in those who are in demand is one way to really face indifference. He allows united states to be always vigilant, and avoid having Christ pass by without us recognizing him. It recalls to mind the words of St Augustine: "Timeo Iesum ranseuntem" (Serm., 88, 14, thirteen): "I fear the Lord passing past" …I wondered why St Augustine said he feared the passing by of Jesus. The answer, unfortunately, is in our behaviour: because we are often distracted, indifferent, and when the Lord closely passes us past, we lose the opportunity to encounter him. The works of mercy reawaken in us the need, and the ability, to brand the faith alive and active with charity." (General Audience, 12 October 2016).

In addition to the cloth referred to on this page, the Justice and Peace Part invites you to consider the resources contained in this website, along with links to further resources below.

Further resources:

Transcripts of Pope Francis speaking on the diverse works of mercy.

• Works of Mercy (Pope Francis, General Audience, 30 June 2016);
• Corporal and spiritual works of mercy (Pope Francis, General Audience, 12 October 2016);
• Feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty (Pope Francis, General Audience, xix October 2016);
• Mercy and dialogue (Pope Francis, Full general Audience, 22 October 2016);
• Welcoming the stranger and clothing the naked (Pope Francis, General Audition, 26 October 2016);
• Visiting the ill and the imprisoned (Pope Francis, General Audience, nine Nov 2016);
• Bearing wrongs patiently (Pope Francis, General Audience, xvi November 2016);
• Counselling the doubtful and instructing the ignorant (Pope Francis, General Audience, 23 November 2016);
• Praying for the living and the dead/ Burying the dead (Pope Francis, General Audition, 30 November 2016).

Scripture.

• Isaiah 58: 6-12  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+58&version=NRSV;
• Hebrews 13: i-6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+13&version=NRSV;
• Tobit iv https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=tobit+4&version=NRSV;
• Sirach 17: 22 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=sirach+17&version=NRSV;
• Proverbs 22: 1-16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+22&version=NRSV;
• Matthew 6: ane-four https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+vi&version=NRSV;
• Matthew 25: 31-46 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew+25&version=NRSV;
• Luke 3: eight-14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+iii&version=NRSV;
• Luke 11: 37-42 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+11&version=NRSV;
• James ii https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+2&version=NRSV

Further ideas for undertaking works of mercy:

• Contribute to or start upwards a social justice grouping in your parish https://justiceandpeace.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Justice-Peace-Office-Ministry-Resources-2015.pdf
• Consider incorporating aspects of Laudato Si' in your social justice practice: https://justiceandpeace.org.au/caring-for-cosmos-caring-for-our-common-abode/ .
• Seek to appoint knowledgeable speakers to give a talk in your parish, such equally on grief, loss & bereavement through Catholic Cemeteries http://www.catholiccemeteries.com.au/bereavement-support/
• Acknowledge and mourn the loss of those who take passed abroad by attending services, such as http://www.catholiccemeteries.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/eleven/BN1-International-Pregnancy-Infant-Loss-Remembrance-Twenty-four hour period.pdf.
• Participate or back up your local community gardens, such as Mamre House: http://www.mamre.com.au/ &  Cana Communities Farm in Orchard Hills http://www.cana.org.au/about-cana/community/community-farm
• Welcome and show hospitality to those on the fringes of your parish: https://justiceandpeace.org.au/welcoming-refugees-to-your-parish/
• Volunteer your fourth dimension and offer your particular skills or gifts to community groups, east.one thousand.:
  •  legal/form-filling skills to humanitarian migrants; http://www.jrs.org.au/get-involved/work-with-jrs (form-filling programme as distinct from registered migration amanuensis work);
  • House of Welcome seek assist for particular projects from fourth dimension to time http://world wide web.houseofwelcome.com.au/
  • Work with the Sisters of Charity to provide assistance to people from the country who are in Sydney receiving medical handling past providing volunteer ship: http://www.sistersofcharityoutreach.com.au/volunteer-at present/
  • Support kitchens for the homeless such as:  St Vincent de Paul  Vinnies Breakie Van
• Work through your parishes social justice groups to solve local community issues, e.thousand., affordable housing through the Sydney Alliance campaign http://www.sydneyalliance.org.au/
• Building human relationship, participating in &/or supporting detail communities, such equally:
  • David's Place in Surry Hills https://world wide web.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2015/201569_859.shtml;
  • the St Bakhita Centre in Flemington https://stbakhita.com/volunteers/;
  • CatholicCare Community visitors scheme http://www.catholiccare.org/volunteer;  or
  •  LÁrche community in Sydney http://www.larche.org.au/larche-communities/sydney/
• Seek to be an upstanding consumer, for example, buy off-white trade: http://acrath.org.au/5812/fair-trade-fortnight-eight-22-may/
• Participate in diverse clothing drives, which may be undertaken from time to time: https://www.sydneycatholic.org/news/latest_news/2015/2015410_1519.shtml; http://orderofmalta.org.au/projects/coats-for-the-homeless-commonwealth of australia-broad-operation
• ACRATH are involved in various counter trafficking, anti-slavery and fair trade campaigns http://acrath.org.au/
• Back up the efforts of women to re-establish their lives after prison house: https://world wide web.wipan.net.au/?page_id=831
• Support the work of diverse international Cosmic charities, such as Aid to the Church in Need: http://world wide web.aidtochurch.org/support.html or the Order of Malta http://orderofmalta.org.au/around-the-world/the-lodge-of-maltas-ongoing-response-to-the-refugee-crisis.

"May the Holy Spirit help the states; may the Holy Spirit kindle inside the states the desire to live this style of life: at least once a twenty-four hour period, at least! Let united states again larn the corporal and spiritual works of mercy past center, and inquire the Lord to help united states of america put them into practice every 24-hour interval, and in those moments where we see Jesus in a person who is in need." – Pope Francis

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Source: https://justiceandpeace.org.au/corporal-and-spiritual-works-of-mercy/