Spiritual Works of Mercy
/The Spiritual Life Commission invites you to include the Spiritual Works of Mercy in your Lenten journey in a special way this year. “The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2447).
The following document will focus on the seven Spiritual Works of Mercy -- counseling the doubtful, instructing the ignorant, admonishing the sinner, comforting the sorrowful, forgiving injuries, bearing wrongs patiently, and praying for the living and the dead -- and encourage you to participate both through existing parish ministries and through individual acts of care for others in your daily life. The works of mercy are specific ways of living out the teaching of Jesus in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Mt 5:7).
How will you demonstrate love and mercy to others this Lent?
