The Works of Mercy – Holy Family Catechism

*Christ Healing the Paralytic, Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini (1730 – 1732)*

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:

*John 3:1-5. Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, cometh to Jesus by night to be further informed concerning His doctrine, William Hole (1846-1917)*

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:

*La multiplication des pains, Daniel Hallé (1664), license*

Feeding the hungry

Quenching the thirsty

Sheltering the homeless

Clothing the naked

Visiting the sick

Visiting the imprisoned

Burying the dead