Each parish is called to be the People of God, enfleshed in a particular geographic location. And just as we are called to prayer, we are called to works of charity. No doubt your parish partners with one or more local, regional, national, and international organizations to fulfill this part of your mission. You engage in unofficial works of mercy at the parish.
How are your parish’s charitable works linked to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy? As a refresher, here they are:
- Feed the hungry
- Give drink to the thirsty
- Clothe the naked
- Shelter the homeless
- Visit the sick
- Visit the imprisoned
- Bury the dead
- Admonish the sinner
- Instruct the ignorant
- Counsel the doubtful
- Bear wrongs patiently
- Forgive offenses willingly
- Comfort the afflicted
- Pray for the living and the dead (right now!)
If you have some time this month, why not map out your parish’s ministries over these fourteen works of mercy? It will likely reveal how you are going above and beyond in certain areas and where there are gaps. Keep in mind that not every parish needs to be perfectly balanced between the fourteen, but seeing where you are doing well and not so well could have a profound impact on how your consider your parish’s mission to be God’s people in a particular area. Then commit yourself to truly, fully embracing the works of mercy at your parish.
