Catholic Caucus: Spiritual Works of Mercy

Our Lady's Warriors ^ | unknown | Our Lady's Warriors

[Judith Anne]

The Spiritual Works of Mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in spiritual necessities (CCC #2447), those being focused on getting a soul to Heaven. The seven Spiritual Works of Mercy are:

1. Admonish the sinner 2. Instruct the ignorant 3. Counsel the doubtful 4. Comfort the sorrowful 5. Bear wrongs patiently 6. Forgive all injuries 7. Pray for the living and the dead

[Judith Anne]

This morning, after my prayers, I happened across this page and was reminded that it's been a long time since I had given them much study. My granddaughters are well versed in some of them ("Grandma, that's a naughty word! Put a quarter in the jar!") and ("It's time to pray for Daddy to get better") but they have trouble with others, as do we all at times.

Scripture backs up these works; I am certain that most of us can recall scriptures that pertain to each one; I am very interested in reading Catholic FReepers thoughts on these, and I want to thank the Catholic FReepers who have shown us these works in their posts.

So I am hoping for an informal study, and looking forward to reading your thoughts. Links are appreciated.

[Judith Anne]

This is a Catholic Caucus thread, for Catholics only.

[Judith Anne]

ping

[Judith Anne]

ping

[LoveUSA]

I have the Spiritual and the Corporal Works of Mercy framed in counted cross-stitch in my foyer. Anyone who enters my house - Catholic or otherwise - knows the focus of my family.

[Desdemona]

I think we all can all read through this list and realize that we are good at some and not so good at others.

[Judith Anne]

What a great idea! It sounds beautiful...

[Judith Anne]

I read something interesting the other day on the subject, that the first three are not everyone’s job, but the last four are. I don’t know how true that is, but it made some sense.

[Judith Anne]

Okay, the first three would definitely apply to parents instructing their children (and grandchildren instructing their grandparents!)

[johngrace]

Thank you for posting

[Salvation]

I disagree.

What do you think we are active in here at FR? In my opinion ALL of them.

1. Admonish the sinner
2. Instruct the ignorant
3. Counsel the doubtful
4. Comfort the sorrowful
5. Bear wrongs patiently
6. Forgive all injuries
7. Pray for the living and the dead

Hardest ones for me are 5 and 6

[Salvation]

Catholic Caucus: Spiritual Works of Mercy

Introduction to the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
The Spiritual Works of Mercy
The Corporal Works of Mercy
Lest We Forget - The Corporal Works of Mercy & The Spirtual Works of Mercy
Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy

[Judith Anne]

Thanks for those links. If I remember, you’ve posted them before, but I need to re-read them.

Yes, 5 and 6 are the tough ones.

[Judith Anne]

You’re welcome.

[GonzoII]

"7. Pray for the living and the dead "

Sometimes this is the only positive thing we can do for some.

[Judith Anne]

You’re right.

For those who are my “enemies,” I pray that God Almighty will bless them with the same blessings I request: His love and salvation, close, joyful families, finanacial security, peace in all their interactions, good health for me and those I love, you name it. If I want it in my life, I pray my enemies have it in theirs, in the name of Christ Jesus.

I’ve done this for about thirty years.

St. Michael the archangel, defend us in battle, be thou our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, o prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world, seeing the ruin of souls.