The Works of Mercy

The Works of Mercy
A reflection for a meeting for the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Monday, April 13, 2015
by Dcn Bob Bonomi 

I'd like to reflect on last Sunday’s First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles:
 
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common. With great power the Apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the Apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need. - Acts 4:32-35 

If this reading described our world today, there wouldn’t be a need for the St. Vincent de Paul society – everyone would willingly care for all those who were in need in their community.  And yet, even though the world at large doesn't look like this, the description is so appropriate for the mission of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.  The Society, like that early community of believers, witnesses to others through the works of mercy taught by Jesus.  

I’d like to reflect briefly on the fourteen Works of Mercy as they are seen in the mission of St. Vincent de Paul.  I know many of you know them by heart (especially those who had to memorize them in the days of the old Baltimore Catechism), but I confess that I still have to look them up.  So, for those of you like me who tend to forget things, or just as a quick refresher, they are:
 
The 7 Corporal Works:  (1) Feed the Hungry; (2) Give Drink to the Thirsty; (3) Clothe the Naked; (4) Visit the Imprisoned; (5) Shelter the Homeless; (6) Visit the Sick; and (7) Bury the Dead.

The 7 Spiritual Works:  (1) Instruct the Ignorant; (2) Counsel the Doubtful; (3) Comfort the Sorrowful; (4) Admonish the Sinner; (5) Bear Wrongs Patiently; (6) Forgive all Injuries; and (7) Pray for the Living and the Dead.

While the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is best known for its attention to the Corporal Works of Mercy, the Spiritual Works are just as important, if not more so.  And so, as we minister to their physical needs, let us also minister to their spiritual needs:

• As we feed those who are hungry, let us also instruct them on how they can provide for themselves.
• As we give drink to those who thirst, let us also counsel and encourage them to face their trials with hope.
• As we clothe the naked, let us also comfort them in the sadness of their needs.
• As we visit those imprisoned by their needs, let us also help them to see errors in their ways, but to do so with love.
• As we shelter the homeless, let us also remain patient when we experience the outbursts from their frustration.
• As we visit the sick and injured, let us also try to understand those who are angry or in pain.
• As we bury the dead, let us also pray for the living who have not discovered life in Christ.

And in all things, help us to remember that it is You, God, who are in control and it is only through Your grace that we are allowed to minister to your people.  Jesus, we trust in You!