The Corporal Works of Mercy have their roots in the teachings of Jesus Christ and have been practiced by Christians throughout history. The concept of the Corporal Works of Mercy can be traced back to the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” (Matthew 25:35-36).
These acts of kindness towards the vulnerable and marginalized have been recognized as essential aspects of Christian faith and have been practiced by Catholics for centuries.
The Corporal Works of Mercy and the Spiritual Works of Mercy, the phrases we hear most often during Lent, give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise. They “are charitable actions by which we help our neighbors in their bodily and spiritual needs” (USCCA). They respond to the basic needs of humanity as we journey together through this life.
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy are listed below. After each work of mercy there are suggestions for living them out in our daily lives.
Feed the hungry
There are many people in this world who go without food. When so much of our food goes to waste, consider how good stewardship practices of your own food habits can benefit others who do not have those same resources.
- Volunteer with organizations which provide food to the hungry and the homebound such as Catholic Charities.
- Donate to organizations such as No Kid Hungry, whose promise is to see that every single child in America has the food they need to grow up healthy and strong.
- Say grace before every meal and pray for those who haven’t enough to eat.
- Keep granola bars in your car and pass them out to people in need at stoplights (make sure some are the soft kind, as many people on the streets don’t have access to good dental care).
- The next time you make a meal, consider doubling the recipe and sharing with a neighbor who is in need (is sick or lives alone).
- Be intentional about finishing what is on your plate to avoid wasting food.
Give drink to the thirsty
Water is essential for humans to live. We die of thirst before we die of starvation. Yet many of our brothers and sisters don’t have access to clean water, one of the most basic necessities of life.
- Pass out water bottles to the homeless.
- Make an effort not to waste water. Remembering to turn off the water faucet when you are brushing your teeth or washing dishes can help, especially in regions suffering from drought.
- Participate in a river or beach cleanup. Collecting trash and debris from waterways helps to prevent pollution and protect the environment.
Clothe the naked
While the impoverished we see are often clothed, the question is whether they are of good quality and appropriate for the environment in which they live.
- Its’s time to go through your closet and donate what you no longer need. If you think you’re saving something for a special occasion, consider this: when you give it to someone in need that is a special occasion.
- Support your local St. Vincent de Paul Society.
- Start a clothing drive at your parish.
- Knit, crochet, or sew baby blankets for your local pregnancy center.
- Knit, crochet, or sew scarves, hats and gloves for your local homeless shelter.
Visit the Imprisoned
People in prison are still people, made in the image and likeness of God. No matter what someone has done, they deserve the opportunity to hear the Word of God and find the Truth of the message of Christ.
- See if your parish, or a nearby parish, has a prison ministry and if so, get involved.
- Donate Bibles, rosaries and/or spiritual reading materials to a prison.
- Volunteer to help out or donate to charities that give Christmas presents to children whose parents are in prison.
Shelter the homeless
There are many circumstances that could lead to someone becoming a person without a home. Christ encourages us to go out and meet those without homes, affirming their worth and helping them seek a resolution to the challenges they face.
- See if your parish or diocese is involved with a local homeless shelter and volunteer some time.
- Donate time or money to organizations that build homes for those who need shelter.
- Many homeless shelters need warm blankets for their beds. If you can knit or sew that would be an extra loving gift.
Visit the sick
Those who are sick are often forgotten or avoided. In spite of their illness, these individuals still have much to offer to those who take the time to visit and comfort them.
- Offer to run errands or provide transportation for someone who is sick. Those who are sick may not be able to do basic tasks like grocery shopping or driving themselves to appointments.
- Visit patients at a local hospital or nursing home. Spend time with patients who may be lonely or in need of company. You can read to them, play games, or simply offer a listening ear.
- Take time to stop and visit with an elderly neighbor.
- Offer to assist caregivers of chronically sick family members on a one-time or periodic basis. Give caregivers time off from their caregiving responsibilities so they can rest, complete personal chores, or enjoy a relaxing break.
- Next time you make a meal that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and give it to a family in your parish who has a sick loved one.
Bury the dead
Funerals give us the opportunity to grieve and show others support during difficult times. Through our prayers and actions during these times we show our respect for life, which is always a gift from God, and comfort to those who mourn.
- Provide a meal or snacks for those who are attending a funeral or memorial service. This can be a way to show support and offer comfort to those who are grieving.
- Send a card to someone who has recently lost a loved one. Make your own card and use some of these prayers.
- Visit the cemetery and pray for those you have lost.
