SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY

The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy- traditional To instruct the ignorant To counsel the doubtful To comfort the sorrowful To convert sinners To bear wrongs patiently To forgive injuries To pray for the living and the dead

They are motivated by the actions of Jesus in the Gospel The Spiritual Works of Mercy are acts of love which enable us to respond sensitively to the spiritual and emotional needs of others They are motivated by the actions of Jesus in the Gospel

Listening Encouraging Consoling Giving time Sharing faith Supporting Forgiving Accompanying Enduring Understanding Praying for and with...

Instructing Share your understanding of the faith with others especially with children Share your insights, knowledge, and skills with others as opportunity arises Get in involved in the R.C.I.A programme or children’s liturgy.

Counselling Be courageous yet compassionate in listening to people and helping them to move on Help in situations in which people are clearly doing harm to themselves or others Put an end to gossip by walking away- set a good example for others.

Encouraging Work at being hopeful and encourage people Respond to cynicism, scepticism and doubt with hope Share your own hope based on faith and the promises of Jesus in the Gospel - inhabit the promises!

Comforting walk with others through their pain and help them to move on Offer positive words to those who are having a difficult time in their lives Be present to those who are struggling or in emotional pain or despair

Forgiving Pray for those who have wronged you and pray for the courage to forgive Ask forgiveness from others and let go of grudges Go out of your way to be positive with someone you are having a difficult time with.

Bearing wrongs patiently Work at being less critical of others Overlook minor flaws and mistakes Give people the benefit of the doubt Pray for those who have wronged you

Pray for the living and the dead

Pope Francis helps us to examine our conscience Have we helped others to escape the doubt that causes them to fall into despair? Have we helped to overcome the ignorance in which millions of people live, especially children?

Have we been close to the lonely and afflicted? Have we rejected all forms of anger and hatred that leads to violence? Have we had patience with others and forgiven them? Misericordiae Vultus

“For in each of these Christ is present, to be acknowledged, touched and cared for by us” Pope Francis

Help me Lord, to be a companion in the Spirit to those with whom I share my life; Give me the courage to speak of all the good gifts you give to me. Help me to remember in my prayers those who are suffering and those who have died. Let me hold them before you who alone are the source of all mercy and consolation. Lord, teach me to be as gracious to others as you are to me. Use me as you will .