Each month the students and I will discuss a Corporal and Spiritual Work of Mercy. We will also do an activity to put the Works of Mercy into action. I pray these Works of Mercy become a way of living for each student.
Feeding The Hungry:
Many people are suffering from hunger. There is more than enough food in this world to feed everyone. So why are there children and adults dying from hunger every day. What can we do to help? The students and I have been discussing how we can help those who hunger. We can donate food or money to a local homeless shelter. We can be more cautious about how much food we buy and how much we waste. We can donate money to charities that directly help those in need.
Counsel the Doubtful:
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. How can we help those seeking the truth? We can share with others the Good News. We can show them how to live a life filled with Christian values. We can actively participate in a mission to preach what we believe. We can invite someone to come to Mass. There are so many ways to show others the Way, the Truth, and the Life. What can you do to help those who doubt?
Give Drink To The Thirsty:
We take for granted the clean water we have to drink, cook with, and bathe in. Many parts of the world have to walk miles to get water and often it is not clean. We can help by not wasting water. When brushing teeth, leave the water off until it is needed. Take shorter showers and baths. Not running the washer or dishwasher more than it is needed. We can also help by donating bottled water or money to organizations. Many organizations raise money to build wells for people who need it. Start small by saving the clean water you have.
Instruct The Ignorant:
Children are excited about their faith. They can't wait to tell others about Jesus. As adults, we often shy away from Religious talk for fear of offending someone. We should be just as excited as the children. By reading the Bible, Catechism, or other religious books, we will become more comfortable with our faith. It's amazing how a book can give you the courage to talk with someone about Jesus. Are you looking for a book to light your soul own fire for Jesus? Visit dynamiccatholic.org for free books.
Shelter The Homeless:
Many people world-wide are homeless. It may be due to finances, job loss, health reasons, war, etc. As Catholics, we are called to help these people however we can. Even in our little community, there are people without a permanent home. We help by volunteering at the homeless shelter or donating items to the shelter. Many times these people have lost hope. We can help them by visiting with them about the Gospel or providing some assistance to get them back on their feet. If you are unable to do any of these, pray for the homeless. Pray, pray, pray!
Admonishing The Sinner:
We are all sinners. Accepting this truth will help us to help others. This spiritual work of mercy is not telling us to judge others. It is simply telling us to help those who are caught up in sin. In a humble way, we need to let others know that sin is not acceptable and that at the end of time we will be judged. We can help others by preaching the Gospel of Jesus and showing them the correct way. People learn more by watching than by listening. We need to act like Christians and we need to take care of each other. Start today by simply smiling at five people. It will put you in a good mood and it will brighten their day.
Visit The Sick:
Visiting the sick isn't on the top of many peoples list of things to do. These people are often forgotten and as a result become lonely. Jesus told all to care for the sick and to pray with them. As I think of all the people who spend their days in the hospital, I am saddened and I pray that someone takes the time to visit them. May we all remember that God created us as social beings and we should embrace this as much as possible.
Comfort the Sorrowful:
Those who are suffering from grief need to know that others are praying for them. We need to let them know we are there as a listening ear. Even if you aren't sure what to say, just being present can be comforting to someone who is "lost". As brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to care for each other in good times and in bad times. This can be done by visiting or sending a heartfelt card or letter.
Visiting The Prisoners:
We are all sinners. We must remember this when looking at this particular Corporal Work of Mercy. Even though some have committed serious sins and have broken the law, we need to remember these individuals in our prayers. God will forgive any sin if the sinner is truly sorry. He is a merciful God. Not only can we pray for these men and women, but we can also visit them to discuss God's mercy and love.
Forgiving Injuries:
God is merciful and forgiving. We, on the other hand, are human. It is often difficult for us to forgive because our own emotions get in the way. If you are having a hard time forgiving someone or you are holding a grudge, pray about it and go to confession. Talking with God about our difficulties can help us to do what we should...forgive. I also encourage you to teach your child how to forgive. This can be done as role-playing or any time the opportunity arises. Forgiveness is so important to our relationship with God and with other human beings.
Bury the Dead:
By burying those who have passed away, we are showing respect for human life (from conception to natural death). We also comfort those who are mourning the loss of their loved one. This can be a very sad time, but we need to remember Jesus died so we could have the chance to live with Him at the end of time. We pray for the person who has passed away that he/she will join Jesus at the end of time. Praying is a great way to mourn the loss of someone, but it’s not the only way. We can remember those who have passed away by visiting their graves and placing flowers near the headstone.
Bearing Wrongs Patiently:
When someone does wrong to us, it is hard to forgive and move on. At times, it takes a lot of patience to control our frustrations with the person. This is a skill that is important to teach children. Teaching children patience and how to cope with frustrations can help keep the “peace”. Many confrontations can be avoided by taking a step back and breathing slowly. This is a life skill that will be used often. Jesus did not fight back during the crucifixion. He endured the pain and ridicule with patience.
Give Alms To The Poor:
Lent is a great time to focus on donating money or items to the poor, but anytime is a great time. There are many wonderful charities that are seeking donations. One such charity is the Operation Rice Bowl. This charity encourages daily alms giving by putting change into the rice bowl box. The money donated to the charity goes to programs (such as agriculture, sanitation, or education) for those less fortunate around the world. The donations also help those living in poverty within our own communities. There are so many charities that need donations to keep running. I encourage you to do some research and pick a charity to donate to.
Praying For the Living and the Dead:
Prayer is powerful. It is so important to pray for those who are living and those who have died. These types of prayers often come in the form of a petition. The students and I pray petitions at the end of the everyday and when we pray the Divine Chaplet. Some other ways to pray for the living and the dead would be to request a mass intention or to create a book of prayer intentions in your home. Also, do not be afraid to ask others to pray for you and your family. We are all in this together and need the prayers of others. May God bless you always!
Feeding The Hungry:
Many people are suffering from hunger. There is more than enough food in this world to feed everyone. So why are there children and adults dying from hunger every day. What can we do to help? The students and I have been discussing how we can help those who hunger. We can donate food or money to a local homeless shelter. We can be more cautious about how much food we buy and how much we waste. We can donate money to charities that directly help those in need.
Counsel the Doubtful:
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. How can we help those seeking the truth? We can share with others the Good News. We can show them how to live a life filled with Christian values. We can actively participate in a mission to preach what we believe. We can invite someone to come to Mass. There are so many ways to show others the Way, the Truth, and the Life. What can you do to help those who doubt?
Give Drink To The Thirsty:
We take for granted the clean water we have to drink, cook with, and bathe in. Many parts of the world have to walk miles to get water and often it is not clean. We can help by not wasting water. When brushing teeth, leave the water off until it is needed. Take shorter showers and baths. Not running the washer or dishwasher more than it is needed. We can also help by donating bottled water or money to organizations. Many organizations raise money to build wells for people who need it. Start small by saving the clean water you have.
Instruct The Ignorant:
Children are excited about their faith. They can't wait to tell others about Jesus. As adults, we often shy away from Religious talk for fear of offending someone. We should be just as excited as the children. By reading the Bible, Catechism, or other religious books, we will become more comfortable with our faith. It's amazing how a book can give you the courage to talk with someone about Jesus. Are you looking for a book to light your soul own fire for Jesus? Visit dynamiccatholic.org for free books.
Shelter The Homeless:
Many people world-wide are homeless. It may be due to finances, job loss, health reasons, war, etc. As Catholics, we are called to help these people however we can. Even in our little community, there are people without a permanent home. We help by volunteering at the homeless shelter or donating items to the shelter. Many times these people have lost hope. We can help them by visiting with them about the Gospel or providing some assistance to get them back on their feet. If you are unable to do any of these, pray for the homeless. Pray, pray, pray!
Admonishing The Sinner:
We are all sinners. Accepting this truth will help us to help others. This spiritual work of mercy is not telling us to judge others. It is simply telling us to help those who are caught up in sin. In a humble way, we need to let others know that sin is not acceptable and that at the end of time we will be judged. We can help others by preaching the Gospel of Jesus and showing them the correct way. People learn more by watching than by listening. We need to act like Christians and we need to take care of each other. Start today by simply smiling at five people. It will put you in a good mood and it will brighten their day.
Visit The Sick:
Visiting the sick isn't on the top of many peoples list of things to do. These people are often forgotten and as a result become lonely. Jesus told all to care for the sick and to pray with them. As I think of all the people who spend their days in the hospital, I am saddened and I pray that someone takes the time to visit them. May we all remember that God created us as social beings and we should embrace this as much as possible.
Comfort the Sorrowful:
Those who are suffering from grief need to know that others are praying for them. We need to let them know we are there as a listening ear. Even if you aren't sure what to say, just being present can be comforting to someone who is "lost". As brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to care for each other in good times and in bad times. This can be done by visiting or sending a heartfelt card or letter.
Visiting The Prisoners:
We are all sinners. We must remember this when looking at this particular Corporal Work of Mercy. Even though some have committed serious sins and have broken the law, we need to remember these individuals in our prayers. God will forgive any sin if the sinner is truly sorry. He is a merciful God. Not only can we pray for these men and women, but we can also visit them to discuss God's mercy and love.
Forgiving Injuries:
God is merciful and forgiving. We, on the other hand, are human. It is often difficult for us to forgive because our own emotions get in the way. If you are having a hard time forgiving someone or you are holding a grudge, pray about it and go to confession. Talking with God about our difficulties can help us to do what we should...forgive. I also encourage you to teach your child how to forgive. This can be done as role-playing or any time the opportunity arises. Forgiveness is so important to our relationship with God and with other human beings.
Bury the Dead:
By burying those who have passed away, we are showing respect for human life (from conception to natural death). We also comfort those who are mourning the loss of their loved one. This can be a very sad time, but we need to remember Jesus died so we could have the chance to live with Him at the end of time. We pray for the person who has passed away that he/she will join Jesus at the end of time. Praying is a great way to mourn the loss of someone, but it’s not the only way. We can remember those who have passed away by visiting their graves and placing flowers near the headstone.
Bearing Wrongs Patiently:
When someone does wrong to us, it is hard to forgive and move on. At times, it takes a lot of patience to control our frustrations with the person. This is a skill that is important to teach children. Teaching children patience and how to cope with frustrations can help keep the “peace”. Many confrontations can be avoided by taking a step back and breathing slowly. This is a life skill that will be used often. Jesus did not fight back during the crucifixion. He endured the pain and ridicule with patience.
Give Alms To The Poor:
Lent is a great time to focus on donating money or items to the poor, but anytime is a great time. There are many wonderful charities that are seeking donations. One such charity is the Operation Rice Bowl. This charity encourages daily alms giving by putting change into the rice bowl box. The money donated to the charity goes to programs (such as agriculture, sanitation, or education) for those less fortunate around the world. The donations also help those living in poverty within our own communities. There are so many charities that need donations to keep running. I encourage you to do some research and pick a charity to donate to.
Praying For the Living and the Dead:
Prayer is powerful. It is so important to pray for those who are living and those who have died. These types of prayers often come in the form of a petition. The students and I pray petitions at the end of the everyday and when we pray the Divine Chaplet. Some other ways to pray for the living and the dead would be to request a mass intention or to create a book of prayer intentions in your home. Also, do not be afraid to ask others to pray for you and your family. We are all in this together and need the prayers of others. May God bless you always!