The corporal works of mercy are seven charitable deeds that address the physical needs of our neighbors and allow us to express our compassion for the marginalized through concrete actions. When we perform the corporal works of mercy, we are transformed into instruments of God’s grace by bringing comfort, healing, hope, and love to those in need.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Pope Francis explains that “divine mercy shines forth in our lives, inspiring each of us to love our neighbor and to devote ourselves to what the Church’s tradition calls the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.” This month, we will explore the seven spiritual works of mercy that address the needs of our neighbor’s mind, heart, and soul.
The new year draws to mind our tradition of making resolutions. This month, we explore the simple and meaningful resolution to “praise God for the grace and mercy that fill our days.” The Church dedicates a different spiritual theme for each day of the week. Our time is a sacred gift, and every day has a special significance. These daily devotions provide a routine for contemplation designed to direct us toward the Lord and progress spiritually throughout the year.
We recognize that death can be an end, but it does not have to be the end. For those who have gone before us, our bonds of charity need not be destroyed by death. Through the providential love of God, our connection with the dearly departed is strengthened by the power of intercessory prayer.
Our Christian teaching supplements the four cardinal virtues with the three theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity (or love). These theological virtues elevate and perfect our habits, thus directing us toward the supernatural happiness that can only be achieved by our union with God. Theological virtues are infused in our souls through God’s gift of sanctifying grace.
The cardinal virtues are the four moral virtues thought by ancient philosophers to form all other virtues acquired by human effort and repetition. The concept of these virtues–consisting of prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance–traces back to Plato. Saint Ambrose later assigned the designation “cardinal,” stemming from the Latin root “cardo” or hinge, to emphasize that on these qualities hinge the moral life.
In the spiritual battle of good versus evil, virtue is our armor to guard against the temptation of vice. Virtues are rooted in the healthy habits that allow us to readily discern and freely seek that which is good. While virtuous habits promote our disposition of love, habits of vice demonstrate our failure to love.
The seven deadly sins are fundamental vices that threaten spiritual death by engendering our actual sins. This month, we will explore these red flags as unhealthy habits that separate us from God.
Gratitude is our way to demonstrate thankful appreciation for everything in our lives. Adopting an attitude of gratitude promotes happiness and wellbeing. Simply put, we cannot be hateful if we are grateful.
We can forgive, because we are forgiven first through Divine Mercy. This month, we explore our imperative to forgive.
