Works of Mercy

Works of mercy are charitable actions by which Catholics come to the aid of their neighbors in their bodily and spiritual needs (CCC 2447). They flow from the Great Commandment of love of God and neighbor and are divided into two categories: the corporal works, which address physical needs, and the spiritual works, which address the needs of the soul.

Corporal Works of Mercy

The corporal works of mercy address the material needs of the human person. The Catechism lists them as: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and burying the dead (CCC 2447). These are drawn from Matthew 25:31–46, where Jesus identifies himself with the poor and suffering.

Spiritual Works of Mercy

The spiritual works of mercy address the needs of the soul and mind. They include: instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, admonishing sinners, bearing wrongs patiently, forgiving offenses willingly, comforting the afflicted, and praying for the living and the dead (CCC 2447).

Why They Matter

The Catechism teaches that giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity and a practice of justice that pleases God (CCC 2462). Works of mercy are not optional extras for the devout — they are integral to what it means to live a Christian life, inseparable from the pursuit of holiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the list of corporal works come from? Primarily from the Last Judgment scene in Matthew 25, where Christ says: "I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me" (Mt 25:35; CCC 2447).