Scripture and Tradition offer us 7 corporal and 7 spiritual Works of Mercy as guides to our expressions of mercy in our world. How have these been evident in my life?
Feed the Hungry: Have I involved myself in works of charity that support the nutritional needs of the poor? Or have I taken on direct involvement in a food bank, meals for the poor or food for the homeless? Has my own food consumption reflected a genuine concern for the needs of others?
Give drink to the thirsty: Have I financially supported water projects to make clean drinking water available to all persons in the world? Does my use of water reflect a recognition of drought in our area and in other regions of our country? Is my consumption of drinks other than water moderate and safe?
Clothe the naked: Do I dispose of unused clothing which are still wearable to make those items available for further use by others? Do I spend moderately on clothing? Do I focus too much time and interest on purchasing clothing, or dressing in what is perceived as just the right way?
Give shelter to the homeless: Do I support financially those organizations which provide shelter? Do I, by my vote and my voice, support political, social service and business entities which work to make available affordable housing? Do I live moderately and recognize my home as a shelter and not a showpiece?
Visit the sick: Do I physically or through technology and social media visit family members who are sick, or frail or homebound? In my own illnesses, do I have reasonable expectations regarding how others care for me or how much time they spend with me?
Visit the imprisoned: Have I spoken out, or supported in any way, efforts to right wrongs or stop abuses in our justice system? Do I allow myself to by imprisoned by my own feelings of unworthiness or uselessness?
Bury the dead: Do I make every effort to express condolences or to reach out to the bereaved? Have I taken some steps toward making my own wishes known to those who will be responsible for the disposition of my body and my possessions when I pass from this world?
Instruct the ignorant: Do I share willingly my expertise, insight and experience with those who can benefit from it? Do I take advantage of ways to increase my own knowledge, especially embracing opportunities for formation and education in my faith?
Counsel the doubtful: Do I fearlessly and proudly proclaim my belief in God when confronted by others who doubt God’s existence? Have I weathered the storm of doubt which comes into my life, recognizing that God is always present and loving? Do I embrace hope as a driving force in my life?
Admonish the sinner: Have I been willing to lovingly and mercifully challenge those who do not walk the path of God-centered choices? Do I accept willingly and humbly the guidance of others regarding my own actions which are not faith-filled and life-giving?
Bear wrongs patiently: Am I a person who seeks revenge or one who seeks reconciliation? Do I try to find the best in people? Do I avoid gossip and rumor spreading?
Forgive offenses willingly: Do I carry grudges? Do I forgive even if I don’t get a like response? Do I seek to be a peacemaker in my relationships?
Comfort the afflicted: Do I actively seek ways to make life easier for persons suffering from physical or mental illness? Do I try to assuage the loneliness of the elderly or others who have no one nearby to offer companionship and help? Do I make sure that I don’t elaborate on my own sorrows or afflictions to draw sympathy from others?
Pray for the living and the dead: Do I pray daily and worship weekly the God in whom I trust? Do I seek ways to strengthen my faith through personal prayer, and by participating in Mass every Sunday? Do I have confidence in the Communion of Saints and know that all persons have the invitation to join it?
Ruth Ard