“Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it” (attributed to Mark Twain). Because we are forgiven first through Divine Mercy, bitterness does not have the final word. Like the gentle violet, we can refuse to allow harm to harden our hearts.
The corporal works of mercy are seven charitable deeds that address the physical needs of our neighbors and allow us to express our compassion for the marginalized through concrete actions. When we perform the corporal works of mercy, we are transformed into instruments of God’s grace by bringing comfort, healing, hope, and love to those in need.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Pope Francis explains that “divine mercy shines forth in our lives, inspiring each of us to love our neighbor and to devote ourselves to what the Church’s tradition calls the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.” This month, we will explore the seven spiritual works of mercy that address the needs of our neighbor’s mind, heart, and soul.
