In last week’s blog, I discussed how we can live out the
Corporal Works of Mercy as Notre Dame students. This week, I am looking at the
Spiritual Works of Mercy. These are different in that instead of serving others
through physical things- food, water, shelter- we are ministering to others
spiritually.
Spiritual Works of Mercy can be practiced just as
conveniently, but in different ways. They call for making human and personal
connections with people, and they call for understanding and compassion.
To instruct the
ignorant
This means taking on the role of a teacher and helping to share
your own gifts and talents with others.
On campus and in the
community… you can do this by becoming a tutor. There are several different
groups on campus that travel off campus to tutor at the Boys and Girls Club, La
Casa de Amistad, and local high schools. You can also do this more informally
in your dorm by helping others who are struggling with subjects in which you
excel.
To counsel the
doubtful
This is all about giving hope to others, especially those
struggling with their faith.
On campus… you can
do this by getting involved in a faith-sharing group where you can help discuss
the ways in which your faith has helped to shaped you.. You can also do this in
your dorm by helping freshmen who might be doubting their place at Notre Dame
or having trouble making friends. Reaching out to them and giving them hope is
a great way to live out this Spiritual Work of Mercy.
To admonish sinners
One of the toughest works, this is about “tough love” and
calling out things that you see are wrong.
On campus… it is difficult
to tell our friends that they are doing wrong and it is certainly not something
everyone is comfortable doing. However, college is a time when really dangerous
habits can form. I’m not saying you should call out any moral infraction
(because let’s face it, college kids have a lot of these), but if you notice a
friend who is in danger of hurting themselves or others from decisions they are
making, it is a good time to give them a private word or talk to your rector
about your concerns.
To bear wrongs
patiently
Being patient, especially with those who bother or wrong us,
is never easy,which is why this work is so important.
In your dorm… you
are called to be patient with your roommates, floormates, and other residents
of your hall. Yeah, it is annoying when your roommate leaves their wet laundry
in the room (oh wait that’s me) or when the person in front of you takes a long
time printing when you are really late for class, but we are called to accept
all these things with patience and grace.
To forgive offences
willingly
In this same way, we are called to forgive those who wrong
us, no matter how hard it is.
In your dorm…
those same people we must be patient with are the very same that we need to
forgive. It is most important to remember that forgiving also means forgetting.
Once you give your forgiveness, you also need to give them a clean slate. We’ve
all been in that position before.
To comfort the
sorrowful
This work calls us to be a friend to others by caring for
them when they are sad.
With your friends…
Work hard to be more aware of how each other is doing. If your friend bombed a
test, didn’t get into the study abroad program they liked, or had their heart
broken,this your time to minister to them. Give them a cupcake, send them
pictures of baby animals- do whatever you can do to bring a smile to their
face.
To pray for the
living and the dead
This work of mercy reminds us to pray for others, it is so
easy to pray for things we want, we desire- this is a reminder to pray for your
friends, family, and even strangers.
Today… start
making a prayer list. Put on it names of people you want to pray for, living or
dead. Anyone from your granny to your bestie to the homeless guy you saw on the
street. Add to your list and always remember to pray for everyone onit!
As we get deeper into the semester it is inevitable to let
ourselves become selfish. Despite our stress and worry, we should always think
of others- especially our fellow students. Challenge yourself this week to be
the most caring, responsible self you can be and to live out your faith through
the Spiritual Works of Mercy.
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