Works Of Mercy

The Works of Mercy introduces readers to the seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy, inviting readers to explore mercy in our everyday lives. James Keenan defines mercy as “the willingness to enter into the chaos of another,” and it is one of the central elements of the Christian faith. Over the centuries Christians have defined themselves by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick. The book explores the traditional works of mercy and also looks at how mercy enters into ordinary life, in the way we care for our families and the way we care for ourselves. The third edition features more inclusive language to resonate with readers of all backgrounds, new case studies and examples—from health care to the prison system, and new material on how Pope Francis and his papacy reflect mercy.

Being a Catholic means being merciful, 'the willingness to enter into the chaos of another.' This book explores the seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy and considers how we invoke mercy both in the church in the Eucharistic liturgy and in our homes, with family and friends. Interspersed are three meditations on mercy: on September 11, on being a priest in light of the scandal in Boston, on the world of HIV/AIDS.

In reflections drawn from his writings and preaching, Pope Francis treats the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, opening for each a window on a larger theme. For instance, under "welcoming the stranger," Pope Francis reflects on the plight of refugees and immigrants. This book is one of Pope Francis's most challenging and personal reflections on the gospel message.

When Jesus asked us to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and visit the imprisoned, he didn’t mean it literally, right? Kerry Weber, a modern, young, single woman in New York City sets out to see if she can practice the Corporal Works of Mercy in an authentic, personal, meaningful manner while maintaining a full, robust, regular life. Weber, a lay Catholic, explores the Works of Mercy in the real world, with a gut-level honesty and transparency that people of urban, country, and suburban locales alike can relate to. Mercy in the City is for anyone who is struggling to live in a meaningful, merciful way amid the pressures of “real life.” For those who feel they are already overscheduled and too busy, for those who assume that they are not “religious enough” to practice the Works of Mercy, for those who worry that they are alone in their efforts to live an authentic life, Mercy in the City proves that by living as people for others, we learn to connect as people of faith.

Living the Works of Mercy: Daring Teens to Change the World can be used by teachers, coordinators of youth ministry, directors of religious education, catechists, teen mentors -- anyone who works with young people in junior and senior high school. It contains fourteen sessions, each of which engages teens thoughtfully, actively, and prayerfully in one of the works of mercy, in a variety of ways. The book also contains two retreats. "Jesus in Disguise" is an overnight retreat on the corporal works of mercy, and is designed for younger teens. "Christ Looks on Us with Love" is a weekend retreat on the spiritual works of mercy, especially created for older teens. Living the Works of Mercy: Daring Teens to Change the World is a resource that helps adults facilitate for teens the dialogue between profound human experiences and the revealed word of God. It is a resource that enables teens to understand the relevance of God's word in their life, and ultimately dares them to translate this sacred dialogue into action that will change the world. Book jacket.

A concise look at living out the spiritual works of mercy.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus will judge us on the basis of whether or not we fed him when he was hungry, gave him drink when he was thirsty, welcomed him when he was a stranger, clothed him when he was naked, and visited him when he was sick or in prison. What we have done for others, he will tell us, we have done for him. The Catholic Church has traditionally called these six acts of kindnessalong with a seventh, burying the dead -- the "Corporal Works of Mercy." In this down-to-earth yet inspiring guide, Father Andrew Apostoli, C.F.R., explains the Corporal Works of Mercy and illustrates multiple ways we can do them in our modern everyday life. Father Apostoli also outlines the lesser-known but equally important "Spiritual Works of Mercy": counseling the doubtful, teaching the ignorant, admonishing the sinner, consoling the afflicted, forgiving offenses, bearing wrongs patiently, and praying for the living and the dead. And he offers many creative ways these too can be made part of our lives. As a founding member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, Father Apostoli knows firsthand about the challenges and rewards of caring for those in physical or spiritual need. His order is dedicated to the works of mercy, and Father Apostoli brings to his subject a great wealth of spiritual and practical wisdom gained from personal experience.