Today is the second Sunday of Easter. It is also Divine Mercy Sunday.
In today’s responsorial psalm we hear that God’s mercy endures forever. Mercy, forgiveness, and love are all closely related. God extends all these things to us and we are to extend them to others.
One way to extend mercy to others is to practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. I think most people are pretty familiar with the Corporal (bodily) Works but maybe not so much the Spiritual Works.
Just to review, the Corporal Works of Mercy are:
Feed the Hungry
Give Drink to the Thirsty
Shelter the Homeless
Visit the Sick
Visit the Prisoner
Bury the Dead
Give Alms to the Poor
Here’s an article from USCCB about these Corporal Works: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/the-corporal-works-of-mercy
The Spiritual Works of Mercy are:
Counseling the Doubtful. Do you talk with others about God and His love? Do you answer questions from friends or family about the challenges they face with an eye toward God’s role in our daily lives?
Instructing the Ignorant. Don’t read the term “ignorant” in a prejudicial way. Just think of them as unknowing. Do you have the opportunity to teach others? Not all teaching takes place in a classroom. I think one of the best ways to help teach the faith is to serve as a sponsor or mentor in OCIA. There is a lot to learn about the faith that is best learned by observing others. OCIA should be an apprenticeship in living the Catholic Christian life and you might be just the person to pass on our faith in very practical ways.
Admonishing the Sinner. Living a life that speaks to the joy of living in communion with God can give the credibility for you to help someone consider different choices in their own life. This is obviously a touchy thing but done with charity and where you have a relationship of trust, it is possible to do.
Comforting the Sorrowful. Are you a good listener? Do people seem to feel at ease sharing their burden with you? It’s not for everyone but what a special person you are if can give ear to the sorrows of others, especially when you bring God to the conversation as well.
Forgiving Injuries. This is one of the most direct ways to share God’s mercy. As we have been forgiven so we are to forgive. It isn’t always easy but it’s necessary. Remember that forgiving doesn’t mean you have to continue to put yourself at risk. Forgiveness can free the captives and make God’s love present for you and for others but you have to protect yourself too. You can do both.
Bearing Wrongs Patiently. This is one that can be difficult but we’re called to do our best. Try to assume positive intent on the part of the other. Fr. Hoefler used to refer to this as “assuming Grace“. After all, rarely does someone intend to be annoying or hurtful. Remember we sometimes perceive that we have been wronged when we may not have been. It’s also good to recall that we may be that annoying or hurtful person for others. Even when we have been wronged it’s a way to die to self, and our pride, to be patient.
Pray for the Living and the Dead. I’m sure this is something you already do. A large part of my prayer life involves praying for others, both living and dead, and I bet that’s true for you as well. If it happens that you are spending more time praying for your own needs than that of others take a hard look at that and see if something needs to change. Remember, our lives are not about us.
Here’s an article from USCCB on the Spiritual Works: https://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/the-spiritual-works-of-mercy
As I said, I think we all are probably familiar with, and to some extent, are practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy but I suspect we could up our mercy game when it comes to the Spiritual Works. We have received God’s mercy over and over and we need to be sure we’re passing it on as we ought.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
I hope you have a great week.
Peace, Bob
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