Hello all. Its been a while. Today’s article will be about how to PHYSICALLY apply our catholic faith in our everyday lives and environment. Our faith is more than just reading and studying the bible. It’s not just about going to mass on Sundays and all other holy days of obligation. Its more than the Rosary and prayers. All these things are critical and vital to our faith… But It should also be known that regularly doing these things should be encouraging us to DO the faith. As in putting the faith into action!
Our faith is about GOD. And GOD = LOVE. As we should know, Jesus left us a series of teachings and his own commandments. Today’s focus is about the corporal acts of mercy aka examples of how to love our neighbors. When we say Corporal we mean in the physical world. So Physical acts of mercy! here we go! Please reference MT 25:31-46 if you want to see it in the Holy Bible!
1. Feed the hungry
2. Give Drink to the thirsty
3. Shelter the homeless
4. Visit the sick
5. Visit the prisoners
6. Bury the dead
7. Give alms to the poor
So as you can see, these seem pretty clear. We see it mostly in our homeless population. When I was thinking about this topic I could not help but think about how these services can also restore their dignity as people. People made in God’s image. It’s about being thoughtful to those persons less fortunate than you and manifesting these thoughts into physical acts. If you look at these acts you can see that 3 of these items are a basic necessity for everyday living. As a convenience our parish as well as others sponsor events that do some of the things on the list. St. Martha for example has been known to sponsor a walk for the hungry through the confirmation/youth ministry program as well as coalition for the homeless and the Christmas Toy giveaway! But hey why limit yourself to just church sponsored events. Go do these things in your everyday life. Now remember, we are disciples meant to go out and explore and bring people to Christ! Now go and take action in practicing our faith. Love your neighbor (which is everyone) so that they can see and witness the goodness that is Jesus in you!
Amen! Ron. This is what we call ‘Faith in ACTION.’ Our faith does not stay with us only it should reach out as far as the east is to the west in order for it grow. We are disciples that are sent!