The Works of Mercy

The Works of Mercy are an abiding norm for the Catholic Worker Movement. Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin lived lives of “active love” built on these precepts.

In Christian tradition they are. . .

The corporal works of mercy:

feeding the hungry

giving drink to the thirsty

clothing the naked

offering hospitality to the homeless

caring for the sick

visiting the imprisoned

burying the dead

The spiritual works of mercy:

admonishing the sinner

instructing the ignorant

counseling the doubtful

comforting the sorrowful

bearing wrongs patiently

forgiving all injuries

praying for the living and the dead

Some Sources In Scripture

Matthew 25:31-46

Isaiah 58:6-7

Hebrews 13:3

1 John 3:17

Tobit 4:5-11

Matthew 6:2-4

Luke 3:11, 11:41

James 2:15-16