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Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy
Corporal Works of Mercy (care for physical needs)
Feed the hungry – donating food or volunteering at a soup kitchen
Give drink to the thirsty – providing clean water or drinks to those in need
Clothe the naked – donating clothes
Shelter the homeless – supporting shelters or helping families in need
Visit the sick – checking on sick relatives or hospital visits
Visit the imprisoned – praying for or visiting those in prison
Bury the dead – attending funerals, praying for the deceased
Scripture: Matthew 25:35–40 (Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.”)
Spiritual Works of Mercy (care for spiritual needs)
Instruct the ignorant – helping someone understand their faith
Counsel the doubtful – giving advice rooted in faith
Admonish sinners – correcting with love
Bear wrongs patiently – forgiving instead of seeking revenge
Forgive offenses willingly – letting go of grudges
Comfort the afflicted – supporting someone who is sad or struggling
Pray for the living and the dead – praying for others
Scripture: Matthew 18:21–22; James 5:16
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12)
The Beatitudes describe how Jesus wants His followers to live.
Examples:
Poor in spirit – trusting God instead of money or status
Those who mourn – people grieving loss but trusting God
The meek – gentle, not power-hungry
Those who hunger for righteousness – wanting to do what’s right
The merciful – forgiving others
Pure of heart – sincere love for God
Peacemakers – resolving conflict peacefully
Persecuted for righteousness – standing up for faith
Key Definitions
Meek: Gentle, humble, not aggressive or controlling
Humble: Knowing we need God and not putting ourselves above others
“Blessed”: Deep joy and fulfillment from God
Happy: A result of being blessed, not just a feeling
How can someone be blessed by mourning?
They are comforted by God and grow closer to Him through suffering.
The Beatitudes help us detach from:
Wealth
Power
Pride
Worldly success
7 Deadly Sins and Corresponding Virtues
Chapter 4 Vocabulary
Beatitude: A teaching of Jesus about true happiness
Beatific Vision: Seeing God face-to-face in Heaven
Kingdom of God: God’s reign of love, justice, and peace
Faith: Trust and belief in God
Corporal Works of Mercy: Acts helping physical needs
Discipleship: Following Jesus in daily life
Confession (Sacrament of Healing)
Necessary for Confession:
Examination of conscience
Sorrow for sins (contrition)
Confession of sins
Absolution
Penance
Vocabulary
Examination of Conscience: Reflecting on sins
Perfect Contrition: Sorrow because we love God
Imperfect Contrition: Sorrow out of fear or shame
Absolution: Forgiveness of sins through the priest
Baptism (Sacrament of Initiation)
Ordinary Minister: Bishop, priest, or deacon
Extraordinary Minister: Anyone in an emergency
Effects:
Forgives original sin
Makes us children of God
Welcomes us into the Church
Gives sanctifying grace
Two Common Sins Among Teenagers
1. Pride
Why common: Social media, comparison, desire for approval
Virtue: Humility
Effect: Builds respect, kindness, and unity
2. Envy
Why common: Constant comparison online
Virtue: Gratitude
Effect: Creates healthier self-image and community peace
How Virtues Help Individuals & Community
Virtues promote respect, responsibility, peace, and stronger relationships, helping communities grow in love and justice.
How the Works of Mercy Make Us Good Disciples
They help us:
Love like Jesus
Serve others
Build God’s Kingdom on earth
How the Beatitudes Help Us Find True Happiness
They teach us to:
Trust God
Let go of worldly attachments
Find joy through love, humility, and mercy