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Beautiful Mercy: Experiencing God’s Unconditional Love So We Can Share It With Others
Giving and receiving mercy is central to living a life of passion and is central to living the life God calls us to. We all need mercy at different times in our lives, and we all have an obligation to give mercy to others at different times in our lives. If you think about it, God’s mercy is overwhelmingly generous. He calls us to respond with the same spirit of generosity.
The perfect companion for the Year of Mercy called for by Pope Francis, Beautiful Mercy provides an encounter with the heart of God. By focusing on the seven spiritual and seven corporal works of mercy, it inspires readers to realize that extraordinary acts of love are possible for us all—no matter where we are in life.
Once again bringing to light the genius of Catholicism, best-selling author Matthew Kelly has enlisted the help of twenty-four incredible authors who witness to the power of God’s mercy, provide simple, practical tips on how to be an instrument of that mercy, and bring hope to anyone searching for deeper meaning in life.
This book will touch the core of who you are. In the end, we all need God’s mercy. So, no matter who you are, no matter what you have been through, there is no better time than right now to rediscover the incredible power of God’s mercy.
Beautiful Mercy is an invitation to rediscover God’s unconditional love so you can share it with others.
The perfect companion for the Year of Mercy called for by Pope Francis, Beautiful Mercy provides an encounter with the heart of God. By focusing on the seven spiritual and seven corporal works of mercy, it inspires readers to realize that extraordinary acts of love are possible for us all—no matter where we are in life.
Once again bringing to light the genius of Catholicism, best-selling author Matthew Kelly has enlisted the help of twenty-four incredible authors who witness to the power of God’s mercy, provide simple, practical tips on how to be an instrument of that mercy, and bring hope to anyone searching for deeper meaning in life.
This book will touch the core of who you are. In the end, we all need God’s mercy. So, no matter who you are, no matter what you have been through, there is no better time than right now to rediscover the incredible power of God’s mercy.
Beautiful Mercy is an invitation to rediscover God’s unconditional love so you can share it with others.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2015
83 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
Pope Francis
1,321 books1,001 followersPope Francis (Latin: Franciscus; Italian: Francesco; Spanish: Francisco; born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 17 December 1936) was the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, a title he held ex officio as Bishop of Rome, and Sovereign of the Vatican City. He chose Francis as his papal name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. Francis was the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and the first non-European pope since the Syrian Gregory III, who died in 741.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He was accused of handing two priests to the National Reorganization Process during the Dirty War, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, and the administrations of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner considered him a political rival. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.
Throughout his public life, Pope Francis had been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was credited with having a humble, less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, for instance choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he was known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as Cardinal. He maintained that the church should be more open and welcoming. He did not support unbridled capitalism, Marxism, or Marxist versions of liberation theology. Francis maintained the traditional views of the church regarding abortion, euthanasia, contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, and priestly celibacy. He opposed consumerism, irresponsible development, and supported taking action on climate change, a focus of his papacy with the promulgation of Laudato si'. In international diplomacy, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Bergoglio worked briefly as a chemical technologist and nightclub bouncer before beginning seminary studies. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 was Argentina's provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He was accused of handing two priests to the National Reorganization Process during the Dirty War, but the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed. He became the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II. He led the Argentine Church during the December 2001 riots in Argentina, and the administrations of Néstor Kirchner and Cristina Fernández de Kirchner considered him a political rival. Following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI on 28 February 2013, a papal conclave elected Bergoglio as his successor on 13 March.
Throughout his public life, Pope Francis had been noted for his humility, emphasis on God's mercy, concern for the poor, and commitment to interfaith dialogue. He was credited with having a humble, less formal approach to the papacy than his predecessors, for instance choosing to reside in the Domus Sanctae Marthae guesthouse rather than in the papal apartments of the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors. In addition, due to both his Jesuit and Ignatian aesthetic, he was known for favoring simpler vestments void of ornamentation, including refusing the traditional papal mozzetta cape upon his election, choosing silver instead of gold for his piscatory ring, and keeping the same pectoral cross he had as Cardinal. He maintained that the church should be more open and welcoming. He did not support unbridled capitalism, Marxism, or Marxist versions of liberation theology. Francis maintained the traditional views of the church regarding abortion, euthanasia, contraception, homosexuality, ordination of women, and priestly celibacy. He opposed consumerism, irresponsible development, and supported taking action on climate change, a focus of his papacy with the promulgation of Laudato si'. In international diplomacy, he helped to restore full diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
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February 21, 2020
A donation to our Adoration Library by a friend. As it was supposed to be for the Year of Mercy I had not intended to read it, but I am glad I did. It is a collection of essays on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy by authors from all walks of life: Larry Richards, Jennifer Fulwiler Michael Gaitley, Mary Madeline Todd, Charles Pope, and Donald Calloway to name a few. Each work has one or two or three essays devoted to it, which expound on ways mercy is lived out in REAL LIFE.
Giving Drink to the Thirsty is Refreshing Mercy and recounts a trip across the Tanzanian countryside and marveling at the slender young girls who carry twenty liters of water on their heads several miles without spilling a drop or becoming winded.
Clothing the Naked is told in Giving Mercy where a team helping out overseas was getting ready to return to the USA and they left behind their shoes, each giving their to someone of approximately the same size. It was also people knitting hats for cancer patients who have lost their hair.
Visiting the Imprisoned is Freeing Mercy where men in the San Quentin Prison had the opportunity to hear about a recent trip to Rwanda and the healing and reconciliation which has taken place since the 1994 genocide.
But my favorite of all of the stories is Humble Mercy and it is the story about Admonishing the Sinner. It is my favorite because the author tells it on herself. She set out to play a trick on a phone solicitor and ended up getting the most beautiful, sincere, humble testimony of the love of one Christian for his fellow, that you can imagine.
The book is a quick and worthwhile read!
Giving Drink to the Thirsty is Refreshing Mercy and recounts a trip across the Tanzanian countryside and marveling at the slender young girls who carry twenty liters of water on their heads several miles without spilling a drop or becoming winded.
Clothing the Naked is told in Giving Mercy where a team helping out overseas was getting ready to return to the USA and they left behind their shoes, each giving their to someone of approximately the same size. It was also people knitting hats for cancer patients who have lost their hair.
Visiting the Imprisoned is Freeing Mercy where men in the San Quentin Prison had the opportunity to hear about a recent trip to Rwanda and the healing and reconciliation which has taken place since the 1994 genocide.
But my favorite of all of the stories is Humble Mercy and it is the story about Admonishing the Sinner. It is my favorite because the author tells it on herself. She set out to play a trick on a phone solicitor and ended up getting the most beautiful, sincere, humble testimony of the love of one Christian for his fellow, that you can imagine.
The book is a quick and worthwhile read!
September 25, 2016
When the opportunity came for me to read BEAUTIFUL MERCY, billed on the front cover as “the perfect companion to the Year of Mercy,” I was anything but excited.
My reading time has been cut in half because of other obligations, and I have a stack of books I really want to read.
What I’m saying is that I did a lot of sucking it up to pick this book up.
And God used it as a big ole two-by-four to hit me across the head.
This book might be some of the best writing and reading I’ve done on the subject of mercy. Ever.
Kelly writes, in the prelude,
“It’s simple, but imagine how the world would be different if everyone practiced just one work of mercy each day. How would the world be different if these works of mercy defined the way we live our lives? There is genius in Catholicism, but sadly it is little known and practiced.
[…]
“Sometimes the best way to think about life is to reflect upon death. When I think about my life and how I have offended God, all the opportunities I have had to love that I have turned my back on, how little I have done with the gifts he has given me, I hope he is merciful. When I reflect on my faults and failings, my mistakes and sins, my pride and arrogance, I hope he is merciful.
“I believe he is.”
What follows is a set of 14 chapters, one for each of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The collection of authors in this book is phenomenal: I’m sure Kelly didn’t actually call Pope Francis, but I can’t help but love that Pope Francis’ words are the introduction to the book:
“As we can see in Sacred Scripture, mercy is a key word that indicates God’s action towards us. He does not limit himself to merely affirming his love, but makes it visible and tangible. Love, after all, can never be just an abstraction. By its very nature, it indicates something concrete: intentions, attitudes, and behaviors that are shown in daily living. The mercy of God is his loving concern for each one of us. He feels responsible; that is, he desires our wellbeing and he wants to see us happy, full of joy, and peaceful. This is the path which the merciful love of Christians must also travel.”
Most of the chapters feature two essays, and they are practical suggestions. They are also, though, a challenge. They are reflective considerations of what the works of mercy, in both the corporal and spiritual aspects, mean for each of us as both individuals and as parts of the larger Body of Christ.
For example, consider Lisa Hendey’s reflection on giving drink to the thirsty: she took readers with her to Tanzania, painting a picture of the young girls carrying huge water jugs on their heads. She then zoomed back to her own California home, where a drought had made her more aware of water. Yet, she mentions, it’s more than just about water, isn’t it?
“But let us also remember that the “thirsty” often have needs that will be met more often by words and deeds than by water. I don’t have to travel halfway around the world to find folks who thirst. They are all around me, waiting for me to bear relief to them just as Neema bore that bucket of water.
“The thirsty are the working poor of my own community who labor in farm fields to put food on their tables. My elderly neighbor thirsts for someone to sit with her and to simply listen. A friend who single-parents a child with special needs thirsts for compassion, understanding, and welcome. And often, my own family thirsts for my care and attention when I let my daily busyness stand in the way of lovingly fulfilling my vocation as wife and mother.”
I was equally struck by Sarah Swafford’s reflection on instructing the ignorant. She explains that “ignorant” doesn’t mean “stupid,” but rather, “unlearned,” “unknown,” or even “unaware.” She makes a distinction that this isn’t about pushing our faith on other people, but instead trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us.
“In light of trying to dig deeper into this work of mercy, instruct the ignorant, I think it would be beneficial to distinguish between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is very important; we should have the facts and information we need to communicate the brilliant truths of our Catholic faith. But someone may have all the factual knowledge in the world⏤he or she may even be a “walking Catechism”—yet unless we approach this work of mercy with an eye to imparting wisdom, we may very well miss the mark.
“It is wisdom and faith that take knowledge and seamlessly weave it through the threads of time, history, culture, and personal experience in order to help answer life’s biggest questions: “Who am I?” “What am I living for?” and “Whom am I living for?” Wisdom and faith are the anchors of human life, giving us meaning and purpose even amid the attacks of relativism, utilitarianism, and the culture of death. Wisdom and faith show us that life has a plot, a goal, and living out this journey leads to happiness, peace, and joy—both in this life and in the next.”
This book is full of advice, true, but it’s also full of fire: I found myself considering that maybe my Year of Mercy wouldn’t be a total waste after all. Maybe even in the midst of how crazy my life is, I can make a few small changes that will have a big impact eternally.
In BEAUTIFUL MERCY, I found hope, and I also found an understanding of mercy I haven’t gained anywhere else. Mercy has always seemed to be a nice idea, a good theory, and completely foreign.
God has it, sure.
But…what does it mean? How do I share it? Why do I need it?
This collection was a gift to me, straight from heaven. It seared itself into my mind, and I can’t help but feel closer to God as a result of reading it.
I also can’t help but be better motivated to move forward through my Christian journey.
As Dr. Scott Hahn wrote in the conclusion:
“The crisis of the Church is not reducible to the lack of good catechists, liturgies, theologians, and so forth. It’s a crisis of saints. But it’s a crisis our Father can be trusted to handle, especially if we allow him to keep his promises to us.”
Let us be saints, indeed, and use what’s left of this Year of Mercy to run closer to that goal!
My reading time has been cut in half because of other obligations, and I have a stack of books I really want to read.
What I’m saying is that I did a lot of sucking it up to pick this book up.
And God used it as a big ole two-by-four to hit me across the head.
This book might be some of the best writing and reading I’ve done on the subject of mercy. Ever.
Kelly writes, in the prelude,
“It’s simple, but imagine how the world would be different if everyone practiced just one work of mercy each day. How would the world be different if these works of mercy defined the way we live our lives? There is genius in Catholicism, but sadly it is little known and practiced.
[…]
“Sometimes the best way to think about life is to reflect upon death. When I think about my life and how I have offended God, all the opportunities I have had to love that I have turned my back on, how little I have done with the gifts he has given me, I hope he is merciful. When I reflect on my faults and failings, my mistakes and sins, my pride and arrogance, I hope he is merciful.
“I believe he is.”
What follows is a set of 14 chapters, one for each of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The collection of authors in this book is phenomenal: I’m sure Kelly didn’t actually call Pope Francis, but I can’t help but love that Pope Francis’ words are the introduction to the book:
“As we can see in Sacred Scripture, mercy is a key word that indicates God’s action towards us. He does not limit himself to merely affirming his love, but makes it visible and tangible. Love, after all, can never be just an abstraction. By its very nature, it indicates something concrete: intentions, attitudes, and behaviors that are shown in daily living. The mercy of God is his loving concern for each one of us. He feels responsible; that is, he desires our wellbeing and he wants to see us happy, full of joy, and peaceful. This is the path which the merciful love of Christians must also travel.”
Most of the chapters feature two essays, and they are practical suggestions. They are also, though, a challenge. They are reflective considerations of what the works of mercy, in both the corporal and spiritual aspects, mean for each of us as both individuals and as parts of the larger Body of Christ.
For example, consider Lisa Hendey’s reflection on giving drink to the thirsty: she took readers with her to Tanzania, painting a picture of the young girls carrying huge water jugs on their heads. She then zoomed back to her own California home, where a drought had made her more aware of water. Yet, she mentions, it’s more than just about water, isn’t it?
“But let us also remember that the “thirsty” often have needs that will be met more often by words and deeds than by water. I don’t have to travel halfway around the world to find folks who thirst. They are all around me, waiting for me to bear relief to them just as Neema bore that bucket of water.
“The thirsty are the working poor of my own community who labor in farm fields to put food on their tables. My elderly neighbor thirsts for someone to sit with her and to simply listen. A friend who single-parents a child with special needs thirsts for compassion, understanding, and welcome. And often, my own family thirsts for my care and attention when I let my daily busyness stand in the way of lovingly fulfilling my vocation as wife and mother.”
I was equally struck by Sarah Swafford’s reflection on instructing the ignorant. She explains that “ignorant” doesn’t mean “stupid,” but rather, “unlearned,” “unknown,” or even “unaware.” She makes a distinction that this isn’t about pushing our faith on other people, but instead trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us.
“In light of trying to dig deeper into this work of mercy, instruct the ignorant, I think it would be beneficial to distinguish between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is very important; we should have the facts and information we need to communicate the brilliant truths of our Catholic faith. But someone may have all the factual knowledge in the world⏤he or she may even be a “walking Catechism”—yet unless we approach this work of mercy with an eye to imparting wisdom, we may very well miss the mark.
“It is wisdom and faith that take knowledge and seamlessly weave it through the threads of time, history, culture, and personal experience in order to help answer life’s biggest questions: “Who am I?” “What am I living for?” and “Whom am I living for?” Wisdom and faith are the anchors of human life, giving us meaning and purpose even amid the attacks of relativism, utilitarianism, and the culture of death. Wisdom and faith show us that life has a plot, a goal, and living out this journey leads to happiness, peace, and joy—both in this life and in the next.”
This book is full of advice, true, but it’s also full of fire: I found myself considering that maybe my Year of Mercy wouldn’t be a total waste after all. Maybe even in the midst of how crazy my life is, I can make a few small changes that will have a big impact eternally.
In BEAUTIFUL MERCY, I found hope, and I also found an understanding of mercy I haven’t gained anywhere else. Mercy has always seemed to be a nice idea, a good theory, and completely foreign.
God has it, sure.
But…what does it mean? How do I share it? Why do I need it?
This collection was a gift to me, straight from heaven. It seared itself into my mind, and I can’t help but feel closer to God as a result of reading it.
I also can’t help but be better motivated to move forward through my Christian journey.
As Dr. Scott Hahn wrote in the conclusion:
“The crisis of the Church is not reducible to the lack of good catechists, liturgies, theologians, and so forth. It’s a crisis of saints. But it’s a crisis our Father can be trusted to handle, especially if we allow him to keep his promises to us.”
Let us be saints, indeed, and use what’s left of this Year of Mercy to run closer to that goal!
February 12, 2016
This was another worthwhile book to read. The primary take away for me was to give mercy I need to first receive mercy. To doubt Gods mercy for me is to sin. He not only forgives, he forgets. I need to let go of my own past repented sins and rely on Gods mercy. Also;
Forgiveness is not saying "no problem"
Forgiveness is not saying "there's nothing to forgive"
Forgiveness is not forgetting
Forgiveness does not mean you trust the other person or that the relationship is restored
Most importantly, forgiveness is not an event but rather a process
Forgiveness is not saying "no problem"
Forgiveness is not saying "there's nothing to forgive"
Forgiveness is not forgetting
Forgiveness does not mean you trust the other person or that the relationship is restored
Most importantly, forgiveness is not an event but rather a process
April 6, 2016
Quick read with great ideas on how to incorporate the spiritual and corporal works of mercy into your everyday lives.
March 2, 2016
I love this book. It really made me think about how I am currently living my life. How I should and want to live my life and what I can do to make those changes.
August 3, 2016
This book is a compilation of many well-known Catholic authors sharing short and practical explorations of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It really does live up to its billing as “the perfect companion for the Year of Mercy.”
Each of the fourteen works of mercy are addressed by one or more authors in new and concrete ways. If you are looking for ways to put the works of mercy into practice in your life, I cannot think of a better resource to help you achieve that goal.
Highly recommended!
Each of the fourteen works of mercy are addressed by one or more authors in new and concrete ways. If you are looking for ways to put the works of mercy into practice in your life, I cannot think of a better resource to help you achieve that goal.
Highly recommended!
June 22, 2016
Quick and easy read on mercy. There were several good points and new things I learned about mercy. I liked how it was divided up be section with multiple authors. It was easy to read in multiple short reading segments which was perfect for me and what time I had available to read.
Read
January 31, 2016Filled with many interesting approaches to mercy for this year that we Catholics are focusing on it.
June 28, 2016
Great reflections for the Year of Mercy. I enjoyed the varied viewpoints of the authors and the structure of the Works of Mercy theme.
November 29, 2016
I enjoyed this short essay book. All a good reminder of how to live in the world.
January 31, 2017
Beautiful book about the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. I enjoyed it very much!
March 9, 2016
This was an amazing read. If you are unfamiliar with the works or mercy or cannot recall them off the top of your head Matthew Kelly reminds us that: "The works of mercy are broken up into two categories: the corporal works of mercy and the spiritual works of mercy. The corporal works of mercy are concerned with
The corporal works of mercy are concerned with meeting the physical needs of others. They are:
feed the hungry
give drink to the thirsty
clothe the naked
shelter the homeless
visit the sick
visit the imprisoned
bury the dead
The spiritual works of mercy, on the other hand, are designed to meet the spiritual needs of others. They are:
instruct the ignorant
counsel the doubtful
correct sinners
bear wrongs patiently
forgive offenses willingly
comfort the afflicted
pray for the living and the dead
After Matthew reminds us of what the works of Mercy are he states: "For this book, we've enlisted the help of some incredible authors in the Church. These authors have taken the fourteen works of spiritual and corporal mercy and provided simple, practical ways for you to understand them better and to incorporate them into your everyday life. I hope you pray through this book and invite the mercy of God to transform your life, because in the end it's all about God's mercy." It truly is an incredible collection. A few of the authors I had encountered prior to reading this volume, a few I had never heard of. I have already picked up books by three of the contributors to add to my 'to be read pile'.
The contributors in order of appearance are:
Matthew Kelly
Pope Francis
Cardinal Donald Wuerl
Fr. Larry Richards
Fr. Michael Gaitley, Mic
Christopher West
Lisa M. Hendey
Dr. Allen R. Hunt
Fr. Donald Calloway, Mic
Kerry Weber
Mother Olga Yaqob
Sr. Marie Veritas, Sv
Dr. Carloyn Woo
Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Curtis Martin
Sarah Swafford
Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, Op, Std
Jackie Francois-Angel
Sr. Helena Burns, Fsp
Jennifer Fulwiler
Daniel Burke
Matt Fradd
Fr. James Mallon
Fr. Mike Schmitz
John Michael Talbot
Msgr. Charles Pope
Dr. Scott Hahn
The introduction by Pope Francis says: "Jesus introduces us to these works of mercy in his preaching so that we can know whether or not we are living as his disciples. Let us rediscover these corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. And let us not forget the spiritual works of mercy: to counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offenses, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead." Pope Francis goes on to outline line that we will be known and judged by our actions And living the works of mercy is needed in our world and in our lives.
Father Larry Richards declares: "We must feed the hungry or be damned! Did I get your attention? I hope so!" what a way to grab our attention at the beginning of his piece on Feeding the Hungry. And later Christopher West writing about giving drink to the thirsty quoting Pope Francis: "I see clearly," said Pope Francis, "that the thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds." And this means that "ministers of the Church must be ministers of mercy above all." Ministers of mercy are those willing to enter into the pain and misery of people's lives, touch their wounds, and surprise them with tender, healing love." What would our families, our communities look like if we strived to live this better each day? Also writing about giving drink to the thirsty Lisa M. Hendley says: "Sometimes the "drink" we carry to those who thirst will be literal. Often, it will be figurative. Regardless, let us pray daily for gratitude for those who have quenched our thirst and for the grace to carry the drink of living water to those most in need." How often do we acknowledge those who have filled our cup? Do we as generously then fill others?
Later Dr. Allen R. Hunt writing on clothe the naked reminds us that: "In the corporal works of mercy, Jesus calls us to do something-not simply to talk about it, not to study it, not to establish a committee to develop a plan for it, but to do it. To really and truly clothe the naked." There was a time many years ago when I was out of work and in a new town, I noticed the worship leader wore a different winter coat every week and I was without one. I asked him if I could borrow one until I could get one. The next week he showed up with a hockey duffle bag full of clothes for me all from his closet. This man literally clothed me and I never forgot it.
Curtis Martin writing about comforting the afflicted says: "For nonbelievers, there is enough evidence to conclude that the world is an essentially brutal place, where the innocent and weak not only suffer, but suffer at the hands of the strong. They believe that Darwin was right and only the strongest and the fittest will survive. Jesus came to reveal a radically different perspective, a deeper truth, a more powerful truth: that suffering, while real, is not the final word." And we as the body of Christ as that witness in the world. Can our neighbours and friends tell a difference between us and how we live and the non-believers they know.
For many years now one of my often spoken prayers is that 'my actions would live up to my theology' that sentiment is echoed in the quote at the beginning of the section on Instruct the Ignorant: "For nonbelievers, there is enough evidence to conclude that the world is an essentially brutal place, where the innocent and weak not only suffer, but suffer at the hands of the strong. They believe that Darwin was right and only the strongest and the fittest will survive. Jesus came to reveal a radically different perspective, a deeper truth, a more powerful truth: that suffering, while real, is not the final word." This reminded me to ask what is my life witnessing to.
The greatest strength is this book is the stories, from the introduction by Matthew Kelly with the stories of Adam, David, Mary Anne to the stories in each separate piece either the authors own witness or the stories they have observed. I really do not believe you could read this book and not be moved and challenged in your own life. For me it was strange but as I was reading the section that hit me most was Bury the Dead, my oldest is in training to become an alter server, in communicating with the lady who coordinates it for our parish I mentioned that I had server from a child well into university. She asked if I would be willing and able to alter server at the occasional funeral mass when they need assistance. I said yes, how could I not. It is a small sacrifice on my part to help live this out.
Please give this book a read, it will dramatically impact your life, and through your life those who know you and the ripples will keep spreading out. This is an amazing book and I highly recommend it.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
The corporal works of mercy are concerned with meeting the physical needs of others. They are:
feed the hungry
give drink to the thirsty
clothe the naked
shelter the homeless
visit the sick
visit the imprisoned
bury the dead
The spiritual works of mercy, on the other hand, are designed to meet the spiritual needs of others. They are:
instruct the ignorant
counsel the doubtful
correct sinners
bear wrongs patiently
forgive offenses willingly
comfort the afflicted
pray for the living and the dead
After Matthew reminds us of what the works of Mercy are he states: "For this book, we've enlisted the help of some incredible authors in the Church. These authors have taken the fourteen works of spiritual and corporal mercy and provided simple, practical ways for you to understand them better and to incorporate them into your everyday life. I hope you pray through this book and invite the mercy of God to transform your life, because in the end it's all about God's mercy." It truly is an incredible collection. A few of the authors I had encountered prior to reading this volume, a few I had never heard of. I have already picked up books by three of the contributors to add to my 'to be read pile'.
The contributors in order of appearance are:
Matthew Kelly
Pope Francis
Cardinal Donald Wuerl
Fr. Larry Richards
Fr. Michael Gaitley, Mic
Christopher West
Lisa M. Hendey
Dr. Allen R. Hunt
Fr. Donald Calloway, Mic
Kerry Weber
Mother Olga Yaqob
Sr. Marie Veritas, Sv
Dr. Carloyn Woo
Lisa Brenninkmeyer
Curtis Martin
Sarah Swafford
Sr. Mary Madeline Todd, Op, Std
Jackie Francois-Angel
Sr. Helena Burns, Fsp
Jennifer Fulwiler
Daniel Burke
Matt Fradd
Fr. James Mallon
Fr. Mike Schmitz
John Michael Talbot
Msgr. Charles Pope
Dr. Scott Hahn
The introduction by Pope Francis says: "Jesus introduces us to these works of mercy in his preaching so that we can know whether or not we are living as his disciples. Let us rediscover these corporal works of mercy: to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, heal the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. And let us not forget the spiritual works of mercy: to counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offenses, bear patiently those who do us ill, and pray for the living and the dead." Pope Francis goes on to outline line that we will be known and judged by our actions And living the works of mercy is needed in our world and in our lives.
Father Larry Richards declares: "We must feed the hungry or be damned! Did I get your attention? I hope so!" what a way to grab our attention at the beginning of his piece on Feeding the Hungry. And later Christopher West writing about giving drink to the thirsty quoting Pope Francis: "I see clearly," said Pope Francis, "that the thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds." And this means that "ministers of the Church must be ministers of mercy above all." Ministers of mercy are those willing to enter into the pain and misery of people's lives, touch their wounds, and surprise them with tender, healing love." What would our families, our communities look like if we strived to live this better each day? Also writing about giving drink to the thirsty Lisa M. Hendley says: "Sometimes the "drink" we carry to those who thirst will be literal. Often, it will be figurative. Regardless, let us pray daily for gratitude for those who have quenched our thirst and for the grace to carry the drink of living water to those most in need." How often do we acknowledge those who have filled our cup? Do we as generously then fill others?
Later Dr. Allen R. Hunt writing on clothe the naked reminds us that: "In the corporal works of mercy, Jesus calls us to do something-not simply to talk about it, not to study it, not to establish a committee to develop a plan for it, but to do it. To really and truly clothe the naked." There was a time many years ago when I was out of work and in a new town, I noticed the worship leader wore a different winter coat every week and I was without one. I asked him if I could borrow one until I could get one. The next week he showed up with a hockey duffle bag full of clothes for me all from his closet. This man literally clothed me and I never forgot it.
Curtis Martin writing about comforting the afflicted says: "For nonbelievers, there is enough evidence to conclude that the world is an essentially brutal place, where the innocent and weak not only suffer, but suffer at the hands of the strong. They believe that Darwin was right and only the strongest and the fittest will survive. Jesus came to reveal a radically different perspective, a deeper truth, a more powerful truth: that suffering, while real, is not the final word." And we as the body of Christ as that witness in the world. Can our neighbours and friends tell a difference between us and how we live and the non-believers they know.
For many years now one of my often spoken prayers is that 'my actions would live up to my theology' that sentiment is echoed in the quote at the beginning of the section on Instruct the Ignorant: "For nonbelievers, there is enough evidence to conclude that the world is an essentially brutal place, where the innocent and weak not only suffer, but suffer at the hands of the strong. They believe that Darwin was right and only the strongest and the fittest will survive. Jesus came to reveal a radically different perspective, a deeper truth, a more powerful truth: that suffering, while real, is not the final word." This reminded me to ask what is my life witnessing to.
The greatest strength is this book is the stories, from the introduction by Matthew Kelly with the stories of Adam, David, Mary Anne to the stories in each separate piece either the authors own witness or the stories they have observed. I really do not believe you could read this book and not be moved and challenged in your own life. For me it was strange but as I was reading the section that hit me most was Bury the Dead, my oldest is in training to become an alter server, in communicating with the lady who coordinates it for our parish I mentioned that I had server from a child well into university. She asked if I would be willing and able to alter server at the occasional funeral mass when they need assistance. I said yes, how could I not. It is a small sacrifice on my part to help live this out.
Please give this book a read, it will dramatically impact your life, and through your life those who know you and the ripples will keep spreading out. This is an amazing book and I highly recommend it.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
March 2, 2017
This was my first 'spiritual' book to read on my Lenten journey. Since last year was the Church's Year of Mercy, the parishioners at my church were given this book as a gift. So this book focused on mercy, and the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy were broken down into sections with different contributors telling their experiences about how these works of Mercy came into their life. Some of the contributors gave great examples...Matthew Kelly telling short stories of everyday people showing and giving beautiful mercy. Other contributors gave textbook versions of things, only confusing me and making the topic being discussed glum. I liked the everyday things ordinary people could do in their lives to become a better Christian. Not everyone, including myself at the moment, can travel around the world helping the poor and destitute in Africa, India, or Rwanda. So does that mean alms giving is the way to go? I don't know where a food pantry is around where I live, but I can donate when there is a food drive at my church or maybe can I prepare meals for my family with love?
Throughout the book, especially during the times of reading those "textbook" explanations of things, and when I got to the Instruct the Ignorant, I feel at times I am ignorant! How nice it would be to read simple examples of mercy and simple ways to show mercy. We ALL have to be taught in simple ways. Teachers should not assume we know everything about our religion. For example, Jackie Francois-Angel didn't know how to pray the rosary correctly until she was 18. Maybe there are lapsed Catholics or Millenials who have no faith because they're confused...was religion just preached to them? Did they have no role models to look up to when it came to religion? We see children today in church and going to a religion class distracted by outside distractions- video games, sports, etc. These distractions are fine, but how could religious people and catechists help young people focus and get their attention?
I found one of the best works of mercy in the book was praying for the living and the dead. It's something everyone can do, from anywhere. Msgr. Charles Pope had great points about prayer and how one prayer can make a difference. Unfortunately praying for the dead is not talked about enough and even being forgiven endless amount of times in life does not rid us of purgatory. So it seems that this act of mercy may be the most important.
Throughout the book, especially during the times of reading those "textbook" explanations of things, and when I got to the Instruct the Ignorant, I feel at times I am ignorant! How nice it would be to read simple examples of mercy and simple ways to show mercy. We ALL have to be taught in simple ways. Teachers should not assume we know everything about our religion. For example, Jackie Francois-Angel didn't know how to pray the rosary correctly until she was 18. Maybe there are lapsed Catholics or Millenials who have no faith because they're confused...was religion just preached to them? Did they have no role models to look up to when it came to religion? We see children today in church and going to a religion class distracted by outside distractions- video games, sports, etc. These distractions are fine, but how could religious people and catechists help young people focus and get their attention?
I found one of the best works of mercy in the book was praying for the living and the dead. It's something everyone can do, from anywhere. Msgr. Charles Pope had great points about prayer and how one prayer can make a difference. Unfortunately praying for the dead is not talked about enough and even being forgiven endless amount of times in life does not rid us of purgatory. So it seems that this act of mercy may be the most important.
May 8, 2018
The book speaks of corporal works of Mercy, as well as spiritual works of Mercy. Performing these works of Mercy allows us to become the 'Best Version of ourselves and experience God's unconditional love. The works of Mercy are are explained explained and helps the reader realize that these acts of goodwill are easier understood and some acts are works of Mercy which the reader may not recognize as an act of Mercy. An excellent self help book which helps
the reader become closer with God.
the reader become closer with God.
May 19, 2016
With 25 writers offering various ideas and thoughts on Mercy, how we can, should be merciful. How we can practice being merciful. This book is a great guide to "The Year Of Mercy". My favorite of most thought inspiring was Fr. Mike Schmitz chapter on "Tireless Mercy". He talks of how mercy is not something to be taken lightly. We must work at forgiving those who have offended us. We need to understand what offense we are forgiving and what that offense cost us.
My neighbor and I didn't talk for 10 or 15 years because he had upset me for some reason or another. We did make up and start talking again but then he died a few years later. We never really forgave each other not talk talked how our offenses hurt (cost) each of us. Now I just have one sided conversations and pray he is listening. When you forgive without understand the cost, the mercy is empty, lacking the justice and dignity the act of Mercy requires to be fulfilled.
My neighbor and I didn't talk for 10 or 15 years because he had upset me for some reason or another. We did make up and start talking again but then he died a few years later. We never really forgave each other not talk talked how our offenses hurt (cost) each of us. Now I just have one sided conversations and pray he is listening. When you forgive without understand the cost, the mercy is empty, lacking the justice and dignity the act of Mercy requires to be fulfilled.
June 20, 2016
This was a great book for the Year of Mercy. It is organized as short essays or reflections according to each corporal and spiritual work of mercy. Each chapter is only a few pages long, so it is perfect to pick up and put down throughout the day or for a prayerful reflection. The numerous different authors make it difficult to review the content and writing, but overall, I was left with a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's love and mercy in the world. There was some great insights into life and love, and the authors took the standard understandings of each work of mercy and brought the reader to a deeper or new understanding.
This book is appropriate for both the beginner and experienced theologian.
This book is appropriate for both the beginner and experienced theologian.
August 4, 2016
The corporal works of mercy deal with the physical needs of others:
(Matthew 25:41)
feed the hungry
give drink to the thirsty
clothe the naked
shelter the homeless
visit the sick
visit the imprisoned
bury the dead.
The spiritual works of mercy deal with the spiritual needs of others:
instruct the ignorant
counsel the doubtful
correct sinners
bear wrongs patiently
forgive offences willingly
comfort the afflicted
pray for the living and the dead.
Beautiful Mercy is a perfect compliment to the year of mercy announced by Pope Francis. Mercy is to heal a heart in misery.
(Matthew 25:41)
feed the hungry
give drink to the thirsty
clothe the naked
shelter the homeless
visit the sick
visit the imprisoned
bury the dead.
The spiritual works of mercy deal with the spiritual needs of others:
instruct the ignorant
counsel the doubtful
correct sinners
bear wrongs patiently
forgive offences willingly
comfort the afflicted
pray for the living and the dead.
Beautiful Mercy is a perfect compliment to the year of mercy announced by Pope Francis. Mercy is to heal a heart in misery.
December 15, 2020
This book is a collection of essays by prominent Catholics on the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. I picked it up mostly because I was happy to see it at a nearby little library, and I think it took me more than a year to get through. Still, it seemed to come back into my life whenever a spiritual uplift was particularly needed. In true Matthew Kelly fashion, nothing in this book was not mind blowing, but the book was a healthy, inspiring place to put my head in from time to time and contained many gems.
April 25, 2016
Full of short essays revolving around the broader topic of mercy, and more precisely written to address the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.
The essays range from helpful to sublime. I expect that each person reading them will have a different reaction to individual essays depending on what God is trying to teach them, or where they are in their lives.
A great accompaniment to this Jubilee Year of Mercy and henceforth.
The essays range from helpful to sublime. I expect that each person reading them will have a different reaction to individual essays depending on what God is trying to teach them, or where they are in their lives.
A great accompaniment to this Jubilee Year of Mercy and henceforth.
December 7, 2016
For only 180 pages, it was a tough read, at least for me. The book is a series of vignettes, each written by a different author. Though well written, all of the stories sounded very like the same message(s) you may hear at a weekly sermon; perhaps an extension of each of the eight beatitudes. The bottom line message is to practice mercy in various ways, and not just believe in the message itself.
August 10, 2017
This book is fantastic. If you have even the tiniest relationship with Christ, I highly recommend this book. Whether you are Catholic or not I would also recommend this book. We all need to know how to put love into action: Mercy. This was so helpful and I learned so much! I am excited to apply this in my own life and hopefully share Christ better with others. :)
March 29, 2018
Seemed like a lot of the chapters had the same message.
Really loved the last 2 chapters. 2nd last chapter about the last corporal works of Mercy, Praying for the dead, was really good. Last chapter- Conclusion about people leaving the Church is powerful. These last 2 chapters made the book worth reading.
Really loved the last 2 chapters. 2nd last chapter about the last corporal works of Mercy, Praying for the dead, was really good. Last chapter- Conclusion about people leaving the Church is powerful. These last 2 chapters made the book worth reading.
August 18, 2016
The writings are very thought provoking. Although, I read the book straight through, it does lend itself to be a book that after you read a chapter one needs to take one's time to reflect, mediate - and if so moved - act.
September 5, 2016
I used this book for a book study and enjoyed being able to use the words of some leading voices in apologetics to grow in my faith and learn more about applying the works of mercy to my every day life, while also discussing Catholicism with my friends.
February 7, 2017
I read this while basking in the sun on vacation. The book is a really good read, reminding us all how we are to serve in our world! Each Corporal and Spiritual Work of Mercy is written in a short, concise, experiential and thought provoking manner. I took away some great ideas!
August 22, 2017
Pretty good reflection book on the idea of God's mercy which has some different ideas of what it looks like. The authors do an excellent job of braking down the works of mercy and examples of how to live by them in your life.
December 23, 2015
Great short read as prep for the Extraordinary Year of Mercy! Shower essays by noted authors,bloggers--Fr. Larry Richards, Fr.
. Michael Gaitley, and even Pope Francis
. Michael Gaitley, and even Pope Francis
July 11, 2016
Short essays on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Some thought-provoking and inspiring essays.
April 1, 2016
4.5 stars
February 6, 2016
A great collection of stories / reflections on the Corporal & Spiritual works of mercy. A great, easy read during this a Year of Mercy dubbed by Pope Francis.
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