
The works of mercy are those actions we conduct out of love for God and out of love for those who suffer around us.
The works of mercy fulfill the Two Great Commandments and the New Commandment issued by Our Lord.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
These are actions that care for the spiritual needs of the people around us and they reflect the Christ’s work among the people during His earthly ministry.1 They are:

Counseling the doubtful
Instructing the ignorant
Admonishing the sinner
Comforting the sorrowful
Forgiving injuries
Bearing wrongs patiently
Praying for the living and the dead
The Corporal Works of Mercy
These are actions that care for the bodily needs of the people around us and they obey Christ’s command in His parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46).2 They are:

Feeding the hungry
Quenching the thirsty
Sheltering the homeless
Clothing the naked
Visiting the sick
Visiting the imprisoned
Burying the dead