Corporal Works of Mercy

What are they?

The Corporal Works of Mercy are:

Feed the hungry.
Give drink to the thirsty.
Clothe the naked.
Shelter the homeless.
Visit the sick.
Visit the imprisoned.
Bury the dead.

Where do they come from?

The Corporal Works of Mercy are derived from one of the eight beatitudes from Matthew chapter five: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”

They are also rooted in the “Great Commandment” also found in Matthew’s Gospel, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. . . . You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39).

Finally, the first six works are derived from the Biblical parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46). As early as the third century the additional deed, Burying the Dead, was added to bring the number up to seven.

What is mercy?

The list itself should give you an idea of what “mercy” means. Mercy alludes to compassion, kindness, pardon, and favor toward another.

Take a few moments of personal reflection, and complete the following sentence: “Mercy” means . . .

Share your response with other family members. Discuss what it means to both give and receive mercy.

What does Corporal mean?

They are practical deeds aimed at relieving bodily distress. A comparable list of spiritual works of mercy includes:

To teach the ignorant
To counsel the needy
To chastise the sinful
To comfort the sorrowful
To forgive enemies
To suffer tribulation
To pray for all fervently