On the Works of Mercy

COMPENDIUM

The following are the good works of which we shall have to give a particular account on the Day of Judgment, and they are works of mercy. Works of mercy are those whereby we succor the corporal or spiritual needs of our neighbor.

The following are the corporal works of mercy:

1. To give food to the hungry.
2. To give drink to the thirsty.
3. To clothe the naked.
4. To lodge the stranger.
5. To visit the sick.
6. To visit those in prison.
7. To bury the dead.

The following are the spiritual works of mercy:

1. To counsel those in doubt.
2. To instruct the ignorant.
3. To warn sinners.
4. To console the afflicted.
5. To pardon offences.
6. To bear with patience persons who vex us.
7. To pray to God on behalf of the living and the dead.

CATECHISM

941. What are the good works of which we shall have to give a particular account on the Day of Judgment?

The good works of which we shall have to give a particular account on the Day of Judgment are the works of mercy.

942. What do we understand by works of mercy?

By works of mercy, we understand those works whereby we succor the corporal or spiritual needs of our neighbor.

943. What are the corporal works of mercy?

The corporal works of mercy are: 1. to give food to the hungry; 2. to give drink to the thirsty; 3. to clothe the naked; 4. to lodge the stranger; 5. to visit the sick; 6. to visit those in prison; 7. to bury the dead.

944. What are the spiritual works of mercy?

The spiritual works of mercy are: 1. to counsel those in doubt; 2. to instruct the ignorant; 3. to warn sinners; 4. to console the afflicted; 5. to pardon offences; 6. to bear with patience persons who vex us; 7. to pray to God on behalf of the living and the dead.