The works of mercy are ancient charitable practices found in the teachings of Jesus. They give us a model for how to treat others, as if they were Jesus in disguise. Offering works of mercy with sincerity provides us a path toward heaven.
As Joe Poprocki puts it so beautifully here, “The works of mercy are more than gestures or obligations. To gain merit in heaven, the actions must be performed as acts of love for our neighbor as a response to our deep love for God. The corporal and spiritual works of mercy work together as paths to Salvation. They give Christians ways to live according to Jesus’ Great Commandment.”
The corporal works of mercy focus on the bodily needs of our neighbors. “They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life” (USCCB ). The corporal works of mercy are feed the hungry, give drink the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the prisoner, and bury the dead.
The spiritual works of mercy focus on ministering to the spiritual needs of our neighbors. The spiritual works of mercy are convert the sinner, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, comfort the sorrowful, bear wrongs patiently, forgive injuries, and pray for the living and the dead.
Works of Mercy at Home
This will be a two-parter. Today, I’ll focus on how we can live out the works of mercy in our homes, and particularly how we can teach our children the works of mercy within the context of everyday family life. Next time, I’ll offer some ideas for practicing the works of mercy with our whole family beyond our front doors.
Parents with small children often feel that they are not doing much to serve the Church because they are focusing on serving their own families. However, it doesn’t take long to realize we practice the works of mercy every day at home!
Every day you’re feeding hungry tummies, dressing children (often the same child several times a day!), providing a cozy, loving home, and wiping little noses. In these acts of generous love, you are practicing the corporal works of mercy.
And every day you’re shaping your children’s moral and intellectual lives through your loving guidance, helping them with their homework or even taking the lead on their education through homeschooling, answering their questions about God and what the Church teaches, forgiving wrongdoings, and bearing patiently temper tantrums and sibling squabbles. All these are ways you practice the spiritual works of mercy.
Be confident that you serve and build the Church through your works of mercy at home! For parents, our children are our first neighbors.
You can teach your kids about the corporal and spiritual works of mercy very naturally by bringing them alongside you when you practice them yourself at home. Here are some practical suggestions for encouraging your kids to practice works of mercy. These tips are inspired by my own experience and this resource from the wonderful Katie at Look to Him and Be Radiant.
Corporal Work of Mercy for Kids
Giving food to the hungry: Help set the table for meals, help Mom cook dinner, help your little sibling eat, feed your pets without being asked.
Give drink to the thirsty: Run an at-home lemonade stand for little sibs! Give water to your pets and plants, especially on hot days.
Shelter the homeless: Let a sibling play with you in your bedroom or favorite fort, invite over a friend who doesn’t have many playmates.
Clothe the naked: Help Mom dress younger siblings, help your siblings find their shoes.
Comfort the sick: Help care for sick siblings: bring them a favorite blanket or stuffed animals, offer to read them a story, make them a special gift or get-well card.
Spiritual Works of Mercy for Kids
Convert the sinner: Pray for a friend or sibling who made a bad choice, pray for unbelievers.
Instruct the ignorant: Read to younger siblings or help them with homework.
Comfort the sorrowful: Comfort a sibling when she is sad.
Bear wrongs patiently/forgive injuries: Speak gently when a sibling annoys you or makes a mistake
Pray for the living and the dead: Include priests, grandparents, and deceased relatives in daily prayers.
These are just a few ideas to get your mind humming. If we’re intentional about it, we’ll start noticing opportunities for mentoring our kids in works of mercy every day.
When they learn about these charitable works within the context of a loving, warm relationship at home, they will transition much more naturally to demonstrating these works out in the world. That’s the topic of part 2: works of mercy for beyond our front door!
Resources
For Parents
The Corporal Works of Mommy (and Daddy, too) by Greg and Lisa Popcak. I haven’t read this yet, but I’ve ordered it and I am hoping to read it with our book club! “The Corporal Works of Mommy (And Daddy Too) gives parents practical suggestions, tips, and ideas for ways to practice the corporal works of mercy in the home, and reflection questions for delving deeper into the topics. Each chapter also includes a prayer for God s guidance in our pursuit of the little way of the family.”
The Divine Mercy Library: Corporal Works of Mercy and Spiritual Works Mercy. Inspiring reflections on the works of mercy.
The Works of Mercy: Being the Hands and Heart of Christ by Mark Shea. “If you’ve wondered what the corporal and spiritual works of mercy are—or you want to incorporate them more authentically into your interactions with others—this book is for you. Shea’s unique wit and wisdom permeate these pages, bringing the works of mercy alive in practical ways and dealing with the difficulties that arise when trying to apply them now. “
For Kids
Works of Mercy by Father Lovasik. For preschoolers to age 8 or so. Oh my goodness, I’ve had this classic for so many years! It includes an explanation of both the spiritual and corporal works of mercy for children, with ideas for practicing them. Amazon is selling it in a pack of 10 for $9, which is a great deal if you have kids in your life who might enjoy this little book.
Works of Mercy Explained by Silvia Vicchini. For ages 8 to 12 or so. “Using examples from scripture, saints, and people of today, including Pope Francis, each section shows children how to practice the various works of mercy. They will learn how to develop a spirit of mercy toward family, friends, parish, and the wider community.”
Works of Mercy Game. $3 on Teachers Pay Teachers. This looks like a fun, simple way to teach the works of mercy to your children. Ages 6-10 or so.
Works of Mercy Activity Cards. Free. You could print this out and use cards to choose a work of mercy to focus on in your family each week. All ages.
Works of Mercy Scavenger Hunt. $4.50 on Teachers Pay Teachers. This looks fantastic! Ages 8 to 12 or so.