The Corporal Works of Mercy

As Catholics, we must extend what is commonly called “social justice” (namely, respect for all men, even the poor, as "other selves" to be loved and cherished) to all those we meet. Social justice is embodied by the seven corporal works of mercy.

The corporal works of mercy are seven ways in which men and women are called to serve the material needs of their fellow men. The list of corporal works of mercy is as follows:

1)  Feed the hungry. 

2) Give drink to the thirsty.

3) Welcome the stranger. 

4) Clothe the naked. 

5) Visit the sick. 

6) Visit the prisoner. 

7) Bury the dead.

The corporal works of mercy are necessary for our salvation. Six of them come directly from Matthew 25:31-46 which reveals that at the end of time, Christ will ask us if we, as His followers, took care of our neighbors. 

And we had better be prepared to give an affirmative answer.

Future posts will examine corporal works of mercy individually and in greater depth.