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.
Our Christian teaching supplements the four cardinal virtues with the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity (or love). These theological virtues elevate and perfect our habits, thus directing us toward the supernatural happiness that can only be achieved by our union with God. Theological virtues are infused in our souls through God’s gift of sanctifying grace.
