Corporal Works of Mercy

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Throughout the Gospels, we have the words of Jesus Himself as well as His examples regarding the poor, the outcast, the people for whom the world had little or no regard. In His time on Earth, many circumstances were similar to our own. There have always been those less fortunate - the outcasts of society, those who simply did not fit in, the hungry, thirsty, helpless and homeless. I mean no comparison between me and Jesus except that I too share His concern for these less fortunates. I have always had a special love and regard for those who apparently have fallen on hard times for whatever reason - unemployment, addiction, separation from family and friends and others. What we Catholics commonly call the Corporal Works of Mercy are an answer to the problems of these people. We can and do take care of their various needs through various organizations and charities but as with all organized groups, especially those in the governmental sectors, many people fall through the cracks.

No other organization has done more for the poor and needy than the Catholic Church. Annually, billions of dollars are collected and used for the needs of those less fortunate. Unwed mothers, single parents, adoption agencies, hospitals, shelters and soup kitchens, clothing and even housing are provided as funds allow. Yet, amazingly, it is the Catholic Church which has been and continues to be under attack from the secular world. Yes, the Church like any organization has its share of scandals and problems. In this, she is not unique. It is unfortunate that many have violated their promises and vows and brought upon the Body of Christ the bruises of scandal.

But, the Church is NOT those who run her or are her leaders. The Church, true Church as the Body of Christ, is more - it is the organization established by Jesus Himself. One must try to separate the men from the 'machine.' The Church contains the Deposit of Faith and always will under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We have the words of Jesus Himself that the very '...gates of Hell will not prevail against her.' That should be good enough for anyone, especially Catholics. Leaving the Church is never the answer; it simply compounds the individuals problem especially relating to eternal matters. Once you have the fullness of the Truth, you are responsible; to abandom that Truth deliberately is most serious.

For my part, the poor have a very special place. I love to look for those men and women (and in some cases whole families) standing at the mall entrances, outside supermarkets and in other places - holding signs asking for help. I could relate many stories of meeting such people but I leave that between me and God. Suffice it to say I have been very blessed by these encounters. Try it and see for yourself.

I have friends who argue with me over helping such people. They claim that these poor need to get a job, take responsibility for themselves etc. How sad. Others claim that if you give them money they will only buy drugs or alcohol. Of course this is entirely possible and perhaps has happened. But they're still missing the point. One does such actions simply because it is Christ standing there holding the sign for Christ is in all of us. What the person does with your help is their decision but you never know the outcome. Perhaps that little donation saved their life or turned them in an opposite direction.

I have a particular fondness for those religious orders who take their charisms seriously and execute the Corporal Works of Mercy on the streets and in their shelters and soup kitchens. Two in particular are my favorites: First, the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal in the South Bronx. This is the order begun by Father Benedict Groeschel and some other former Franciscan Friars who saw a need to step outside of the comfort of some nice monastery and take the work of Christ seriously in the streets of the slums. They are growing in great numbers. I love these dear Friars.

The other order is the Missionaries of the Poor in Kingston, Jamaica. It was founded by Father Richard Ho Lung, MOP who was a former Jesuit professor quite comfortable in his position but who received an inner drive to found this new order and minister to the poorest of the poor in Jamaica. You can watch the work of both of these orders on EWTN sometimes when they air a show about their work.

Don't misunderstand me pointing out these two orders. There are others as well. But the difference I have found is between those who socially administer a program 'from afar' and have sometimes administrative overhead which comes out of the donated monies. Most charities have these additional costs. The Friars and the MOPs do not. Every nickle that is sent to them goes to the care of the poor, sick and suffering. Both orders live the Corporal Works of Mercy.

Amazingly, these two orders are not hurting for vocations either like many other orders. One can readily see the numerous smiles on the faces of young men who are Brothers living a very simply but dedicated life. In the case of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, there is an order of Sisters as well. The MOPs have Priests and Brothers only.

Remember, our judgment will find us hearing those words of Our Lord..."I was hungry and you have Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink..." OR "I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink..." Which will it be for you? Now is an ideal time and season for practical application of the Corporal Works of Mercy. Most of us have more than we need and to hord our possessions is sinful. To ignore our brothers and sisters in need sinful. Sharing from our substance is ideal and especially if sacrifice is involved. Giving up a movie or dinner out or some other pleasure and handing some poor person the equivalent of what we would have spent will go a long way in eternity - farther than it ever would in this world.

You and I can make a difference. Mother Theresa said that if you cannot feed a hundred people, you can feed one. One is a beginning and one may be just the one you were to feed.