Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy

The Works of Mercy, by the Master of Alkmaar made for the Church of Saint Lawrence in Alkmaar, Netherlands. The wooden panels show the works of mercy in this order: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, bury the dead, shelter the traveler, comfort the sick, and free the imprisoned. Circa 1504. (from Wikipedia)

THE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY

Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit the imprisoned
Bury the dead

THE SPIRITUAL WORKS OF MERCY

Admonish the sinner
Instruct the ignorant
Counsel the doubtful
Comfort the sorrowful
Bear wrongs patiently
Forgive all injuries
Pray for the living and the dead

Corporal Works of Mercy are those that tend to the bodily needs of others. The aim of the Spiritual Works of Mercy is to relieve spiritual suffering.

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