The Corporal Works of Mercy, as we approach the Triduum

Throughout his pontificate, Blessed John Paul II spoke often of charity and our responsibility to lift up the dignity of every human person. He placed a special focus on charity in his Lenten Messages, where he reminded the Church to live out the Corporal Works of Mercy.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the corporal works of mercy:

… consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity: it is also a work of justice pleasing to God (2447).

Holy Week is fast approaching, but it’s never too late to recommit to a Christ-like life of giving. Each day leading up to the Triduum, we will post short pieces from Blessed John Paul II’s Lenten reflections on each of the corporal works of mercy—to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to clothe the naked, to shelter the homeless, to visit the sick, to visit the imprisoned, and to bury the dead.

Blessed John Paul II, through your intercession may we live like Christ as we approach the time of His passion and death.