2447. The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities.241 Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. the corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead.242 Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God:243
He who has two coats, let him share with him who has none and he who has food must do likewise.244 But give for alms those things which are within; and behold, everything is clean for you.245 If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit?246
Aprofunde seus conhecimentos
313. How was sickness viewed in the Old Testament?
138. What are the names of the Holy Spirit?
472. Why must society protect every embryo?
556. What is the prayer of praise?
203. What is meant by the “resurrection of the body”?
555. When is thanksgiving given to God?
419. What place does the Old Law have in the plan of salvation?
Acesse nossos estudos biblicos:
What is the responsibility of Christian leaders according to James 3:1-12?
What is the role of spiritual gifts in building up the church, according to Ephesians 4:7-16?
What is the role of God’s people in promoting social justice, according to Amos 5:24?
How important is God’s love to our lives, according to 1 John 4:8?
