| Works Of Mercy |
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Like many theological principles in Catholicism, they are expressed in organized, numbered form. There are two sets of these works, the Corporal Works (or Acts) of Mercy, relating to material needs of others, and '''Spiritual Works (or Acts) of Mercy'''. CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY Corporal works of mercy are those that tend to bodily needs. The Parable Of The Sheep And The Goats ( Matthew 25:31-46) enumerates such acts -- though not this precise list -- as the reason for the salvation of the saved, and the omission of them as the reason for damnation. #Feed the hungry #Give drink to the thirsty #Clothe the naked #Shelter the homeless #Visit the imprisoned #Visit the sick #Bury the dead SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY The spiritual acts of mercy provide for the needs of the spirit. #Admonish the sinner #Instruct the ignorant #Counsel the doubtful #Comfort the sorrowful #Bear wrongs patiently #Forgive all injuries #Pray for the living and the dead NATURE OF THE OBLIGATION Because these precepts are affirmative ones, they are always binding but not always operative, for lack of matter or occasion or fitting circumstances. The actual obligation in a given case depends largely on the degree of distress to be aided, and the capacity or condition of the one whose duty in the matter is in question. There are easily recognizable limits as the performance of the corporal works of mercy are concerned. Likewise the law imposing spiritual works of mercy is subject in individual instances to important reservations. For example, it may easily happen that an altogether special measure of tact and prudence, or, at any rate, some definite superiority is required for the discharge of the often difficult task of Fraternal Correction . Similarly to instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, and console the sorrowing is not always within the competency of every one. To bear wrongs patiently, to forgive offences willingly, and to pray for the living and the dead are things from which on due occasion no one may dispense himself on the pleas that he has not some special array of gifts required for their observance. BIBLIOGRAPHY
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