Episode Transcript  

One

“Blessed are the Merciful”

A lot of the beatitudes are sort of tricky and counterintuitive. Why would someone be lucky to be poor? Why would someone be blessed if they’re mourning? How could meek people be the ones to take over the earth? Fortunately, when we get to the fifth beatitude, things get a little clearer. We hear Jesus say, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!” and we think, “Well, that makes sense. It’s only fair that you would get what you give, and that if you’re merciful to others, God will be merciful to you.”

But now stop and think again: when was the last time you were actually merciful to someone? And are you planning to be merciful to someone today? And how?

You see, even if the fifth beatitude makes sense abstractly, it can be hard to see how you should put it into practice concretely. Fortunately, the Church has given us a list, called the “Works of Mercy” (see the Catechism, #2447).

So let’s use that list right now to see whether we’re being merciful, and how to start being merciful in new ways.

Two

The Corporal Works of Mercy

The works of mercy that tend to our physical needs are the corporal or physical works of mercy. These are the kinds of works of mercy Jesus talked about when He explained the Last Judgment.

The Catechism in paragraph 2447 lists them as: Feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked (parents and grandparents with little kids especially have an opportunity to be merciful in these ways). Welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick and imprisoned (caring for the elderly and visiting those shut in and lonely). Burying the dead, going to the funeral Mass or service, praying for the dead and supporting the family in their grief. Giving financially to the poor and to efforts of evangelization (have we given 10% as Scripture asks us to do?)

Are you regularly doing any of those things? Remember Jesus’ words to the sheep, those who practiced the corporal works of mercy, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me”

And remember what He said to the goats, those who had not practiced the corporal works of mercy, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire...”

Three

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

Of course, humans are a composite of body and soul, and the soul is the most important part. Which means that however critical the physical works of mercy are, spiritual works are even more important. Here they are, the seven spiritual works of mercy: instructing, counseling, admonishing, comforting, praying for the living and the dead, forgiving willingly, and bearing wrongs patiently.

Which of those spiritual works have you done lately? Which have you not done? Who in your life needs one of these soon or even today?

Four

Take Personal Responsibility for Helping Your Loved Ones to Heaven

The spiritual works of mercy mean we do everything we can to help our loved ones to heaven. Most Catholics assume that helping others get to Heaven is the job of a priest, a program, or someone more “qualified.” It’s not. It’s your job. If someone you love is drifting away from God, if a friend is on a trajectory to hell, you must do something. Faith is personal, but never private.

Jesus gave us a model: the Good Samaritan. The priest and the Levite saw the wounded man, but walked past. The Samaritan took personal responsibility and got involved. Your path to holiness runs through the ditch where your loved one lies wounded. God has placed specific people in your life. You are their Good Samaritan. And we are forming a Good Samaritan Army, an apostolic movement of ordinary Catholics who take spiritual responsibility for their loved ones.

The most effective way to help someone come to God is person-to-person, friend-to-friend. Build a bridge of friendship and trust. Walk with them. Be patient and persistent. Conversion is a slow growth, not a quick fix.

Now this will surprise you, but this is not primarily about them; it’s about you. Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying, “Helping others is the foundation stone of your recovery.” We would say, your growth in faith depends on you helping others. The Sea of Galilee teems with life because water flows in and flows out. The Dead Sea is lifeless because it only receives and never gives. If you’re not helping others grow in faith, your own will shrink and die.

Five

The Movement of the Holy Family

Perhaps you're thinking, "I want to help the people I love, but I don't know how.” That's exactly why the Movement of the Holy Family exists. Most Catholics have never been taught how to practice spiritual friendship. They love their family and friends. They want to help them come closer to Christ. They simply don't know what to do. We want to change that.

I invite you to become an active member of the Movement of the Holy Family, where you'll receive practical training in how to build bridges of friendship, share your faith naturally, accompany others with patience, and help them grow closer to Jesus. If you're already a member, I invite you to take part in our training. You'll receive a simple playbook, practice real conversations, learn from experienced mentors, and be supported by a small group of fellow disciples. Most importantly, you'll continue growing through a simple rule of life rooted in daily prayer, the Eucharist, Confession, meditation, learning the faith, and authentic friendship.

Become an active member of the Movement of the Holy Family. Join our training. Together, let's build a worldwide movement of ordinary Catholics who live friendship with Jesus and friendship with others.

Click here to join.

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