Article submitted by P. Kt. Andy Milligan
Discovering the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy:
A Call to Action for the Christian Mason
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it’s easy to get caught up in our routines and forget that our faith calls us to action. While many of us embrace the spiritual aspects of Christianity, the physical acts of charity are just as vital. They’re not just historical footnotes; they are practical, everyday expressions of our love for God and our neighbour. In one of our ceremonies we are reminded that at the heart of this call to action are the seven corporal works of mercy, a cornerstone of Christian tradition that connects the teachings of Jesus to our daily lives. This blog post aims to shed light on the history and significance of these works and inspire you to bring them into your own life.
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy:
A Quick Overview
Before delving into their history, let’s briefly outline the seven corporal works of mercy:
1. Go feed the hungry
2. Give drink to the thirsty
3. Clothe the naked with a garment
4. Visit and ransom the captives
5. Harbour the harbourless, give the widows and orphans where to lay their head
6. Visit and relieve the sick
7. Go, bury the dead
These simple yet profound acts of charity are derived from Biblical teachings and have been passed down through generations of Christians. The word “corporal” comes from the Latin corpus, meaning “body.” The corporal works of mercy, therefore, relate to the physical needs of people. Let’s explore their origins and understand why they’re so central to the Christian life.
Biblical Roots: The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
The primary scriptural basis for the corporal works of mercy is found in Matthew 25:31-46, often referred to as the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. In this passage, Jesus describes a scene of judgment, where the righteous are separated from the unrighteous based on their acts of charity. Jesus explicitly lists feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, and visiting those in prison as key indicators of righteousness.
He famously states, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). This verse encapsulates the essence of the corporal works of mercy: by serving others, we serve Christ himself. These actions are not just acts of kindness; they are spiritual imperatives that reflect our faith and our commitment to living as Jesus taught.
Beyond the Gospel: The Example of Tobit
Another biblical source for the corporal works of mercy comes from the Book of Tobit, a deuterocanonical book in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. Tobit, a devout and charitable man, is known for his acts of mercy, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and burying the dead. His story demonstrates that these works are not only New Testament teachings but also rooted in the broader Judeo-Christian tradition.
The Evolution of the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy
As Christianity spread and evolved, so did the understanding and practice of the corporal works of mercy. Early Christian communities were encouraged to live out their faith through acts of charity. The early Church Fathers and other Christian leaders emphasised the importance of caring for those in need, establishing a tradition of communal support and compassion.
During the Middle Ages, the list of the seven corporal works of mercy became more formalised and widely recognised in Christian teaching. Monastic communities, in particular, took these works to heart, dedicating themselves to serving the poor and the sick. The rise of religious orders that focused on service, such as the Franciscans and the Benedictines, helped to reinforce the importance of these works within the broader Christian tradition.
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy in the Modern World
While the historical roots of the corporal works of mercy are fascinating, it’s important to remember that they are not just relics of the past. They remain highly relevant today, offering a guide for how Christians can make a tangible impact in the world.
Feeding the Hungry
In a world where hunger and food insecurity persist, feeding the hungry is as critical as ever. Food banks, and community gardens are all practical ways to engage with this work of mercy. Consider volunteering at a local food bank or organising a food drive in your church or community.
www.trusselltrust.org
www.southamptoncitymission.co.uk/basics-banks
Giving Drink to the Thirsty
Access to clean water is a basic human right, yet many people around the world still lack it. Supporting organisations that provide clean water to those in need, such as through well-digging projects, can be a powerful way to give drink to the thirsty.
www.wateraid.org/uk/
Clothing the Naked with a Garment
Clothing drives and donations are simple yet impactful ways to help those in need. You can also get involved with organisations that provide clothing to homeless shelters or disaster relief efforts.
www.clothingbanks.co.uk
Visit and Ransom the Captives
While visiting the imprisoned may seem daunting, it’s an act of mercy that can bring hope and encouragement to those behind bars. Prison ministry programs offer a variety of ways to get involved, from letter-writing campaigns to in-person visits.
www.prisonfellowship.org.uk
Harbour the harbourless, give the widows and orphans where to lay their head (Sheltering the Homeless)
Homelessness is a complex issue, but every act of compassion counts. Consider volunteering at a homeless shelter, supporting transitional housing programs, or even offering temporary shelter to those in need within your own community.
www.ssj.org.uk
www.lovesouthampton.org.uk/homelessness
Visiting the Sick
Hospitals and care facilities often welcome volunteers to visit with patients. Simply spending time with someone who is ill or infirm can make a world of difference. Your vicar or pastor will welcome some help with his or her pastoral visits to hospitals and care homes, or you can help via the Royal Voluntary Service.
www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/our-services/support-in-hospitals/
Burying the Dead
Providing a dignified burial for the deceased is an important act of mercy. This can involve participating in funeral services, helping families with funeral costs, or supporting organisations that provide free burials to those without means. Your vicar or pastor will welcome any help and time you can give in supporting families in your community through the challenges of losing a loved one.
A Call to Action for Modern Christians
The seven corporal works of mercy are not just historical teachings—they are living expressions of our faith. As Christians, we are called to go beyond words and put our beliefs into action. By engaging with the corporal works of mercy, we can make a real difference in the lives of others and, in doing so, draw closer to God.
So, how can you start? Consider focusing on one or two of the works that resonate with you. Find local organisations or church ministries that align with those works, have a look at some of the web links above, and get involved. Whether it’s volunteering at a food bank, visiting a hospital, or supporting a homeless shelter, there’s no shortage of opportunities to make a positive impact.
Remember, the corporal works of mercy are not just tasks to check off a list. They are an invitation to live out the love and compassion of Christ in our daily lives. By embracing these works, we can create a ripple effect of kindness and mercy that extends far beyond ourselves, touching the lives of countless others. Let’s take up this call to action and make the world a better place, one act of mercy at a time.