October 5, 2025 • 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
We have done what we were obliged to do.—Luke 17: 10
Okay, so you have finally arrived, crossed to the proverbial pearly gates. You find yourself face-to-face with God, the God of infinite, selfless love. “Hmm,” your half of the dialogue concludes, “Well, I did what I was obliged to do.” Kind of falls flat in the face of so much love, doesn’t it? If good work is expected of the servant in today’s gospel, why should a disciple of Jesus think faithful loving service is not the way to follow the master teacher? Continuing even further, if we are truly made in the image of God, shouldn’t we be love to the world? Our Church has given us some guidelines; now we must exercise our hearts, stretch our souls. Here is a little checklist for “Works of Mercy101.”
Spiritual Works of Mercy
• Comfort the sorrowing — Be someone to lean on in times of hurt and sadness. • Counsel the doubtful — Be a good listener and let others know how good they are.
• Instruct the ignorant — Share your advice and experience, gently and lovingly when asked.
• Warn the sinner — Let others know there are better choices.
• Forgive all injuries — Don’t carry a grudge and go easy on yourself. • Bear wrongs patiently — Give others and yourself the room to make mistakes. • Pray for the living and the dead — include the whole human family in your prayers.
Corporal Works of Mercy
• Feed the hungry — Share what you have with those who need it, down the street or around the world.
• Give drink to the thirsty — Share your joy and hope with those whose lives are dry and lonely and with those who are literally dying of thirst.
• Clothe the naked — Stand up for those who are most weak and vulnerable; advocate for those whose voices are not heard.
• Shelter the homeless — Welcome everyone in your heart and help give people simple, decent places to lay their heads.
• Visit the imprisoned — Help prisoners and those who are confined due to fear, illness, or sadness.
• Visit the sick—Be there for people who need you.
• Bury the dead —Love and respect the person who has died.
These works are just the tip for a life of discipleship but they are a good place to start (and add caring for our common home for good measure).
Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director
Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries
Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Raleigh, NC