17. Learn and Practise the Works of Mercy

17. Learn and Practise the Works of Mercy

Our Lord shall judge us by these very deeds:
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you…
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (Matthew 25:34-36).

The Church hath ever taught, from the Shepherd of Hermas (c. 140) to St Gregory the Great (†604), that the corporal and spiritual works of mercy are the surest road to beatitude.

Corporal:

• Feed the hungry
• Give drink to the thirsty
• Clothe the naked
• Shelter the homeless
• Visit the sick
• Ransom the captive
• Bury the dead

Spiritual:

• Instruct the ignorant
• Counsel the doubtful
• Admonish sinners
• Bear wrongs patiently
• Forgive offences willingly
• Comfort the afflicted
• Pray for the living and the dead

Do these not for praise, but because thou seest Christ Himself in every suffering soul.
He who closeth his ear to the cry of the poor shall himself cry and not be heard (Proverbs 21:13).

18. Practise the Golden Rule in Its Fullness

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Luke 6:31; Matthew 7:12).
This is the Law and the Prophets summed up in one sentence.

St Augustine (†430) wrote:
“Love, and do what thou wilt,”
for perfect love cannot will evil to another.

Therefore:

• Wish for thy neighbour every good thou desirest for thyself: salvation, peace, health, honour.
• Never consent, even in thought, to anything thou wouldst not wish done unto thee.

This rule is not a soft sentiment; it is the sword that cutteth away all selfishness and maketh a man truly free.

Say “next” to continue with the final precepts and epilogue.