Lent is a time when we reflect on God’s gift of love to us. We would like to suggest a focus on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. These actions, these “Good Works,” our “Bona Opera,” make real our return to God in gratitude for all the good he done for us. The Bona Opera [or good works] is a formal way of committing to some works of mercy during Lent. The teaching of Christ and the tradition of our church outline for us both Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy. Individuals choose the works of mercy that they feel will help them grow in grace and provide some benefit to others. The commitment to the Bona Opera also has a real impact on the entire faith community. The seven practices of charity toward our neighbor’s body—the corporal works of mercy: Feed the hungry Give drink to the thirsty Clothe the naked Shelter the homeless Visit the sick Visit the imprisoned Bury the dead The seven practices of charity toward our neighbor’s soul—the spiritual works of mercy: Help people understand their faith Counsel those in doubt Help the sinner change Comfort the sorrowful Bear wrongs patiently Forgive offenses willingly Pray for the living and the dead We invite you to reflect on these works and to ask yourselves what works of mercy you are called to do this Lenten season.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 14:33:20 +0000
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