Gifts from the Heart, Gifts for the Soul
In this day and age, there are many ways to say thank you and to give back to others. A phone call, a thank-you card, and spending quality time with someone are just a few ways people express gratitude. In addition to these physical ways, we also have spiritual ways to give back to others through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. These works of mercy can be a spiritual way to say thank you — and can’t be bought or sold like cards.
In this day and age, there are many ways to say thank you and to give back to others. A phone call, a thank-you card, and spending quality time with someone are just a few ways people express gratitude. In addition to these physical ways, we also have spiritual ways to give back to others through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. These works of mercy can be a spiritual way to say thank you — and can’t be bought or sold like cards.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me ... just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:35-40). We are called to perform these works of mercy for those around us and thus perform them for Jesus Himself.
Through spiritual works of mercy — such as teaching others about God and the faith, bearing wrongs patiently, saying a rosary for an intention, fasting on Fridays, offering spiritual bouquets, forgiving others willingly, and praying for the living and the dead — we can help the spiritual growth of others as well as ourselves.
1. Teaching Others About the Faith
Teaching others about the faith is an important thing to do for those who do not know about the faith and God. In school and at work, it’s easy to start a conversation with a new friend. This can lead to a deeper conversation about faith and what both people believe. Over time, talking about the faith can lead someone to the Church. We can use everyday conversations to teach friends and new people about our faith and our God.
2. Saying a Rosary for an Intention
Saying a Rosary for an intention is a great way to pray for something specific and ask for our Heavenly Mother’s intercession. Mary has her Son’s ear, so any problems or prayers we bring to her, she will bring to Him. An easy way to do this is a novena or a daily resolution to say the Rosary. The novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots is a great novena that includes prayers for a specific intention.
3. Fasting on Fridays for an Intention
Fasting on Fridays for an intention is not a required practice in the Church, but it is a powerful form of prayer. Fasting on Fridays helps us remember that Friday is the day Our Lord died. While in Lent this is an especially powerful reminder. We can fast all year long for those we interact with. We can offer up the sacrifice for someone who is sick or in need of prayers.
4. Giving a Prayer Bouquet
Giving a prayer bouquet to our pastor shows him that he is in the minds and hearts of those he serves in the Church. If we form a group of 10 people and each person offers up a Rosary for the pastor, that is 10 rosaries being offered for him. By offering up prayers for his intentions, it helps show that others are walking alongside him and helping him carry his burden in whatever way they can.
5. Bearing Wrongs Patiently
Bearing wrongs patiently can help further our own spiritual life and also set an example for others — not to respond with anger, but with kindness and humility instead. When someone slights us or does us wrong, the automatic response may be to be angry and hold a grudge. Instead of holding something against that person, it is better to choose to forgive them and let it go. By showing this example to others, we could help them do the same when they are wronged. This spreads the chain of mercy.
Over this Jubilee Year, we have been continuing with the challenge of showing mercy to others through corporal and spiritual works of mercy. As visible and tangible signs of mercy in our community, we have helped others grow in their spiritual lives. In these last few months of this challenge, it is especially important to hold firm to the resolution to treat others with mercy and love. By continuing with this challenge, we become the hands and feet of Christ to the least of His flock and continue bringing others into His fold.
Looking to live out mercy?
Discover ministries in your community that are making a difference every day! Start by reaching out to your local Catholic parish — they’ll help you find ways to serve, pray, and grow in faith.
Want to explore more? Visit www.dosp.org/parishes for a full directory of Catholic parishes in the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, complete with links to individual parish websites.
