You Did It to Me: A Practical Guide to Mercy in Action

by Michael E. Gaitley

What Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC, has done in 33 Days to Morning Glory to promote true devotion to Mary, and what he has done in Consoling the Heart of Jesus to promote devotion to the Merciful and Sacred Heart of Jesus, he now does in 'You Did It to Me' to promote the works of mercy. Fr. Michael Gaitley [MIC] has a genius for bringing together the spiritual and corporal works of mercy under the umbrella of 'The Five Scriptural Works of Mercy' that Jesus will use to judge us at the end of the world, Matthew 25:31-46. He then enriches these Scriptural texts on mercy with the practical insights of St. Pope John Paul II, St. Faustina, and Pope Francis. He also has a very fertile imagination in bringing to life practical ways of implementing these works of mercy in our own individual lives, in our parish ministries as well as in the workplace, together with a plan of action for making these works of mercy concrete and livable.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Faith

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 27, 2014

About the author

Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, is a member of the Congregation of Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Prior to his ordination to the priesthood, he received a Masters Degree in Theology and a Licentiate Degree in Moral Theology.

After his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Michael succeeded Fr. Seraphim Michalenko, MIC, as the director of the Association of Marian Helpers, a spiritual benefit society with more than 1,000,000 members. As director, he has launched a new pastoral initiative called Hearts Afire: Parish-based Programs for the New Evangelization (HAPP).

He frequently appears on EWTN and preaches retreats throughout the country on topics such as Divine Mercy, Consoling spirituality, and Marian Consecration.

When he is not preaching missions and retreats, Fr. Michael lives and works on Eden Hill in Stockbridge, Mass., home of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what the title says—a very practical guide which leads you step by step through the process of developing goals and workable projects suitable for you and your community which fit the requirement of being ‘mercy-in-action’.

Especially commendable was Gaitley's point that the merciful are humbled by the debt owed to those they serve. Without someone who needs our service, we could not grow in this virtue. Indeed, the merciful are shown mercy most immediately by those in receipt of their assistance. And it goes on from there. If, however, we do not serve others in a spirit of generosity and mercy, then there is no point in our service.

[gardeningmom7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Of course, Jesus Himself used the “tough love move,” but interestingly enough, it was rare and almost always reserved for the Pharisees. For the common sinners, he almost always practiced a gentle, patient love. He ate with them, hung out with them, and attracted them to Himself with His truth and mercy.” P. 93

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw Father Michael Gaitley speak at the Theology of the Body Congress in Philadelphia 2014. He was an incredible and passionate speaker, and this book expresses his easy-to-read conversational style. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to become a better person. Seriously, it's practical and insightful.

[Jessica Gallegos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father G. Does a wonderful job at explaining mercy and how we can truly make a difference to others and please God, even in the little ways. I highly recommend this as a book to keep and refer and review to often.

[Bill Breen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great conclusion to Wisdom/Works of Mercy. Review the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Develop a personal plan of attack. Final group activity- brainstorm what the group can do for the Parish or community>

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 'YOU DID IT TO ME', Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, provides an on going, practical guide to promote works of mercy. Father Gaitley takes the traditional approach of the 14 corporal and spiritual works of mercy and fits them into the five Spiritual categories for the works of mercy. He uses a concise 'To Do' workbook to help us individually develop a plan of 'Mercy in Action'. A unique guide with Scriptural texts and practical insights of St. Pope John Paul II, St. Faustina, and Pope Francis.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly simple, practical, and straightforward. It summarizes many, many “works of mercy” into easy categories and provides a follow through plan. I definitely will be going back to read this book at least every year. Beautiful reminder that what we do to the least of our brothers and sisters, we do to Christ.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Lenten journey this was!! This is definitely “a practical guide to Mercy in Action”. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ. This book, based on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy break them down on exactly HOW we can be His hands and feet. Definitely opened my eyes and heart to do more. Excellent read for any spiritual journey you may find yourself on.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now to live it!!!

Great book. Buy it; read it; write in it. Live it!!

[Maddly Peculiar · Rating 3 out of 5]

a little cheesy. a little gimmicky. probably best for over enthusiastic high schoolers but even i could learn a little something from it

[Riley Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful guide on how to put mercy into action!

To God alone be the Glory!

[Lisette Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book 😊now odd to implement it!

[when-cows-fly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t found of the donut vendor analogy, but other than that had some really solid discussion on the idea of mercy.

[A Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

YOU DID IT TO ME is an excellent, inspiring call to mercy in action.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaitley is a very easy-to-read writer, and this book was no different. In addition to its readability, his writing style is very approachable and welcoming to the reader, encouraging him/her to read on. I found this book to be another in which reading it allows us to see where we come up short in God's eyes. Gaitley, encouraging as he is, helps the reader to improve with numerous guidelines and courses of action to take to become more merciful. I would recommend this book not only for the purpose of learning how to become more merciful, but to also simply learn about the different types/ways to show mercy.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great practical examples from easy-already doing this to more challenging stepping out into the world. Helps to guide us into areas we are drawn to by our hearts, and helps to focus on areas we might consider improving. Also develops greater understanding of specific ways mercy is expressed.

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay , I still liked reading consoling the Heart of Jesus way better, But the prayer's at the end of this book where really nice, as well as the check box idea's midway were as well.

[Ruth Kuohn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going to reread this one later but is well worth the time!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Divine Mercy explained in a way that helps you come closer to God.

[CelesteCreates · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love everything Fr. Gaitley writes.