This week we begin the Seven Corporal Works of Mercy . We just covered the Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy. Now it is time to live out these Corporal Works of Mercy. There are millions of people starving each day, some in our own nation. We can make a difference in little ways to help the starving. One of the big ways to help those in need is to treat them like a human being. Yes, they are in need, but it can go a long way if we look them in the eyes. Talking to them politely and being patient with people who are in need also makes a difference.
FEED THE HUNGRY
There are many people in this world who go without food. When so much of our food goes to waste, consider how good stewardship practices of your own food habits can benefit others who do not have those same resources.
- Having delicious food at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner? Donate to a Thanksgiving or Christmas food drive so everyone can have something to eat.
- Research, identify and contribute financially to organizations that serve the hungry.
- The next time you make a recipe that can be easily frozen, make a double batch and donate one to your local food pantry or soup kitchen.
- Try not to purchase more food than you are able to eat. If you notice that you end up throwing groceries away each week, purchasing less groceries would eliminate waste and allow you to donate the savings to those in need.
Excerpt of USCCB.org
We should see Jesus in the people we help. I don’t mean literally seeing Jesus, but we should be seeing that this person is created in the image and likeness of God, that they have dignity, and that God made them from love, by love, for love. That is how He made you and me. Taking care of the poor is what Christ called us to do. And help of the poor may open someone to hearing about Jesus. It is time for us to take care of those who are in need.
Fr. Thomas P. Galarneault