What are the Works of Mercy?

The Corporal Works of Mercy come directly from Jesus' teachings in the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus instructs His followers, and therefore the Church, that anyone who considers himself a disciple should treat all others as if they were Christ in disguise. These actions are directed at the bodily or temporal needs of humanity.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?’

And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you,

whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’"

(Matthew 25:35-40)

The Spiritual Works of Mercy, on the other hand, are directed towards the incorporeal needs of the person. As humans are a body-soul composite, it is imperative to care for the needs of both the body as well as the soul. These Works of Mercy are found throughout Scripture - from the Prophets and Wisdom books to the Gospels and Epistles - and appear in the writings of numerous theologians and scholars. It is important to note that, while these works of mercy may be less visible to others because of their inward nature, they are equally as essential: just as our bodies needs healing from physical suffering, our souls need healing from spiritual suffering.