The spiritual works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor's spiritual necessities.
+ Counseling the doubtful
+ Instructing the ignorant
+ Admonishing sinners
+ Comforting the afflicted
+ Forgiving offenses
+ Bearing wrongs patiently
+ Praying for the living and the dead
Here are three examples from Sacred Scripture to consider when thinking about how you are living out the spiritual works of mercy.
Matthew 16: 14–15
For if you will forgive men their offences, your heavenly Father will forgive you also your offences. But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your offences.
Matthew 18: 15–17
But if your brother shall offend against you, go, and rebuke him between you and him alone. If he shall hear you, you shall gain your brother. And if he will not hear you, take with you one or two more: that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand. And if he will not hear them: tell the church.
James 5: 7–11
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Monday, July 05, 2010
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
The spiritual works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor's spiritual necessities.
+ Counseling the doubtful
+ Instructing the ignorant
+ Admonishing sinners
+ Comforting the afflicted
+ Forgiving offenses
+ Bearing wrongs patiently
+ Praying for the living and the dead
Here are three examples from Sacred Scripture to consider when thinking about how you are living out the spiritual works of mercy.
Matthew 16: 14–15
For if you will forgive men their offences, your heavenly Father will forgive you also your offences. But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your offences.
Matthew 18: 15–17
But if your brother shall offend against you, go, and rebuke him between you and him alone. If he shall hear you, you shall gain your brother. And if he will not hear you, take with you one or two more: that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may stand. And if he will not hear them: tell the church.
James 5: 7–11
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
