Overview
The Virtue of Charity calls a man to love God and neighbor (CCC 1822). Flowing from Charity is the fruit of mercy (CCC 1829), a love that overlooks offenses, shows compassion, and seeks to relieve the suffering of others. Jesus Christ, who is Divine Mercy, directs His Church to teach every Catholic man to regularly perform the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
In the Incarnation, Jesus Christ comes on the ultimate mission of mercy—to rescue men from sin, death, and eternal separation from God. Through His words and deeds, He reveals what true mercy looks like: healing the sick, forgiving sinners, feeding the hungry, and raising the dead. He commands men to practice mercy as a condition for salvation: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Mt 5:7). Christ also establishes His Holy Catholic Church so men might continually receive God’s mercy through the Sacraments.
Jesus Commands Men to Perform Works of Mercy
Jesus comes in the Incarnation, performs astounding works of mercy, and commands men to imitate Him by performing many Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy.
I want to know more about the Works of Mercy.
The Corporal Works of Mercy
Every Catholic man must practice the Corporal Works of Mercy—feeding, giving drink, clothing, sheltering, visiting, burying—following Christ’s command and His merciful example.
Tell me more about the Corporal Works of Mercy.
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
Every Catholic man must live the Spiritual Works of Mercy—teaching, counseling, admonishing, bearing wrongs, forgiving, comforting, and praying—fulfilling Christ’s command with daily action.
I want to learn more about the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
