Works of Mercy

There is no better time to really get to the bottom of these Works of Mercy than now. Cross Roads Initiative provided this list and it really got me thinking. As Catholic moms, how much are we required to truly participate in these? How difficult or easy is it to clothe the naked or feed the hungry? Is God really asking us to be proactive with these works even though we have toddlers? What about the fact that most of the corporal works can actually apply to our toddlers? I mean if you really think about it we are feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving drink to those that are thirsty everyday that we have our children!

But still, the longing of my heart is to go deeper, to do more, to become a more proactive member of our society so that more people may know the love of Christ. After all, isn't that what Christ has asked us to do? Are we stretching ourselves if we volunteer at the homeless shelter once a week or once a month? Are we over committing if we volunteer for the local pregnancy center? Is that pushing it? Sometimes I can truly convince myself that it IS too much. I can barely get my laundry done let alone stand in line to dish out food. Or is it?

If these are the works that we are asked, or even required to do, how can we incorporate these into our daily lives? How do we show our children that these works are not just for some individuals in life but that we are all called to participate?

Our society has become one that promotes isolation. I won't bother you if you don't bother me. Or, it's none of my business. But ultimately we will be judged on whether or not we did make it our business. Our involvement in bettering the world is something that I believe we will have to look at during judgement day. Of course raising beautiful, vibrant and healthy children is AMAZING and so IMPORTANT. But are we called to more? And if so how?


Corporal Works of Mercy


To Feed the Hungry

To Give Drink to the Thirsty

To Cloth the Naked

To Shelter the Homeless

To Visit the Sick

To Ransom Captives

To Bury the Dead


Spiritual Works of Mercy

To Instruct the Ignorant

To Counsel the Doubtful

To Admonish Sinners

To Bear Wrongs Patiently

To Forgive Others Willingly

To Comfort the Afflicted

To Pray for the Living & the Dead