The Corporal Works of Mercy

The corporal works of mercy are concrete acts of charity directed toward the bodily needs of others — seven traditional acts rooted in Scripture and the teaching of Christ (Matthew 25:31–46; CCC 2447).

The Seven Corporal Works

Feed the hungry. Give drink to the thirsty. Clothe the naked. Shelter the homeless. Visit the sick. Visit the imprisoned. Bury the dead.

Christ in the Poor

The theological foundation is Christ's teaching in Matthew 25: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." The hungry person, the naked person, the prisoner — Christ is present in them. Serving them is serving Christ. Neglecting them is neglecting Christ (CCC 2463).

Not Optional

Works of mercy are not optional extras for particularly devout Catholics — they are required expressions of charity. The Letter of James is explicit: if someone says "go in peace, keep warm and eat your fill" to a person in need without providing for them, "what is the good of that?" (James 2:15–16; CCC 2447).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is "burying the dead" a work of mercy? The care of the dead body reflects belief in the resurrection of the body and the dignity of the human person — that even in death, the body deserves respect. It is also a concrete act of mercy toward the bereaved (CCC 2300).