Every wedding – love is patient, love
is kind – from 1 Cor 13
But what is love? St. Thomas Aquinas – to will the good of
the other. This kind of love is the source of what we call the Works of
Mercy. Last week I reflected on the Corporal Works of Mercy – this week the
Spiritual Works of Mercy.
1)
Counseling the Doubtful – Dad’s last year was very difficult. At one point: what have I done? We
all have moments of doubt. Sharing in the Cross is difficult. Yet we believe
Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Be a good listener – and strengthen their faith!
2)
Instruct the Ignorant – to learn about our Faith and be open to talking about it with others. The
primary teachers of children: parents & grandparents. To assist – a Catholic
School and School of Religion. (Thank you catechists & teachers!!!) For
adults this Lent: Priest, Prophet & King and our Monthly Friday night
events.
3)
Admonish the Sinner – Remove the wooden beam from your eye first, then you will see clearly
to remove the splinter from your brothers eye. I am also a sinner – so learn
the correct with humility – but do not be afraid to speak the truth. Say something, then it is their decision. Sometimes
this becomes Tough Love and not being an enabler.
4)
Comfort the Sorrowful – my sister Susan is having a challenging time. Chemo for 12 weeks
straight. My sister Maureen and I have decided: she will not go to chemo alone.
Walk with her.
5)
Forgiving Injuries – On the cross: Father, forgive
them. How often must I forgive – 7 times – no 70 times 7 times. Not an excuse
to let people walk all over us – but letting go of grudges and hate. Do not let
our anger become a cancer in our hearts!
6)
Bear Wrongs Patiently – Place your hope in God that we may endure the troubles of the world.
Step away from the situation and pray for them.
Your children have stopped going to Mass? Yelling will not work. Be the
very best example you can be – lead by example!
7)
Pray for the Living and the Dead – Mass Intentions- Pray our Sick List. Entrust your cares and concerns
for those around you to God.
On Sabbatical – spent time in Avila –
home of St. Teresa. She once taught:
– Christ has no body on earth now but yours,
no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which the
compassion of Christ must look out on the world. Yours are the feet which He is
to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which He is to bless His
people!
In the end, these 3 remain – Faith,
Hope & Love. And the greatest of these is love!
