The seven corporal works of mercy originate from the teaching of Jesus found in the Gospel of Matthew, especially in the parable of the sheep and the goats (Mt 25:31-46). Jesus says: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Mt 25:40). These acts—feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead—are expressions of love that Christ wants to see in us.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines these works as "charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily needs." It is love in action, not remaining merely in the realm of intentions but expressed in concrete help.
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Feed the hungry
Hunger is one of the most basic and painful human needs. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta dedicated her life to this work, feeding the poor and hungry on the streets of India. "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love," she said. -
Give drink to the thirsty
Water is life. Jesus Himself said that whoever gives even a cup of cold water to the thirsty will not lose their reward (Mt 10:42). Providing access to clean water is a life-saving act of mercy. -
Clothe the naked
Often material needs are overlooked, and nakedness expresses vulnerability and poverty. St. Elizabeth of Hungary was famous for distributing clothes to the poor, showing how close she was to the corporal works of mercy. -
Shelter the homeless and strangers
Welcoming the stranger and providing shelter is not just about a roof over one’s head but also about opening one’s heart. Throughout history, many religious orders, such as the Trinitarians, were founded to serve those without homes or traveling. -
Visit the sick
Illness often isolates and excludes. Visiting, praying, offering psychological and material support brings relief and reminds the sick they are not alone. -
Visit the imprisoned
Prisoners are often forgotten by society. The Church reminds us that mercy extends to those deprived of freedom, offering them hope and the chance for transformation. -
Bury the dead
A dignified burial expresses respect for human dignity even after death. It is also a prayer for the deceased to attain eternal life.
Not everyone can spend a whole day volunteering at a shelter or organize a big charity drive. Often, small gestures suffice—buying a meal for a homeless person, visiting a sick neighbor, or even praying for the deceased. St. Catherine of Siena reminded us, "Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire." Each of us can be an instrument of God's mercy in daily life.
"Christ has no body now but yours; no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes through which His compassion must shine" — St. Teresa of Avila.
Pope Francis often reminds us that the works of mercy are not just actions but a way of life: "The Christian life consists in practicing the seven corporal and spiritual works of mercy."
Mother Teresa of Calcutta is one of the most famous examples of practicing the corporal works of mercy. Her daily life was devoted to feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, and visiting the sick and dying. Her words, "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love," have inspired millions worldwide.
The seven corporal works of mercy are practical guidelines on how to express Christ’s love for neighbors through simple acts. Even the smallest gestures carry great power to transform the world and hearts.
