You don’t have to be in the same house, the same town or even the same continent to provide spiritual help and support to others.
How can we help others spiritually? In “Catholic Central: Spiritual Works of Mercy,” Kai and Libby break down some of the ways the Catholic Church outlines how to serve others on a spiritual level. And, did we mention the Church has been doing that for centuries?!
Diving Deeper
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What does the meaning of the word mercy (to take to heart someone else’s suffering) stir up for you? How does it add to or change your way of thinking about mercy?
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When have you experienced mercy in a profound way that drew you closer to God? When have you extended mercy towards someone else and had an increased sense of God’s closeness through it?
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Which spiritual acts of mercy do you find yourself most drawn towards? Which do you find most challenging? Why? Invite God into your feelings of being drawn or challenged.
Activity
Write each of the spiritual works of mercy on slips of paper and draw one each day from a box. Pay attention throughout the day to notice opportunities to do those works of mercy for others or instances where someone else has lived out that work of mercy towards you.
Reflection by Father Vince Kuna C.S.C.
Even though you may not be going through a moment of suffering, there’s always someone in the Church or wider world who is. Do a Spiritual Work of Mercy by praying the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, or pray the lament in Psalm 88, which begins: “Lord, the God of my salvation, I call out by day; at night I cry aloud in your presence. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry.”
For your additional meditation: Psalm 88 sung by Danielle Rose.
