Catechetical works of mercy

The seven corporal works of are familiar to most Catholics: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting prisoners, and burying the dead. These are the concrete ways in which we can serve our fellow human beings, fulfilling Christ’s commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.

But what about the spiritual works of mercy? These are less well-known, but no less important, aspects of our call to mercy and service as Christians. They include instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, admonishing sinners, bearing wrongs patiently, forgiving offenses, comforting the afflicted, and praying for the living and the dead.

In particular, the work of catechesis – that is, teaching the Catholic faith – is intimately linked with the spiritual works of mercy. Instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, and admonishing sinners all involve the transmission of knowledge and doctrine about what we believe and why we believe it.

But catechesis is not just an intellectual exercise. It is a form of service, a way of showing love for our fellow human beings by sharing with them the truths of the Gospel. As Pope Francis has said, “to catechize is to communicate the Gospel, to insert a person into the mystery of Christ, to awaken a sense of belonging to the Church, ‘a household of God’ (Eph 2:19), to educate in the faith, to prepare for life in society.”

In other words, catechesis is a work of mercy because it helps to form disciples of Christ who can then go out and serve others in his name. It equips us with the knowledge and inspiration we need to live out our faith in concrete ways, whether that means feeding the hungry or caring for the sick, or simply being a witness to God’s love in our daily lives.

Moreover, catechesis is not just for children. It is a lifelong process of learning and growth in faith. Adults, too, need to be catechized and supported in their journey of discipleship. This is especially true in our increasingly secularized society, where many people are unfamiliar with even the most basic tenets of Christianity.

So what does catechetical service look like in practice? There are many ways to get involved. Parish religious education programs, adult faith formation classes, and Bible studies are all important avenues for catechesis. But there are also opportunities to serve as a catechist in prisons, hospitals, and other settings where people may be hungry for spiritual nourishment.

One inspiring example of catechetical service is found in the life of St. John Bosco. Bosco, who lived in 19th-century Italy, was a priest and educator who devoted his life to the care and education of young people, especially those who were poor or marginalized. He founded a religious order, the Salesians of Don Bosco, to continue his work.

Bosco’s approach to education was holistic, integrating both academic and spiritual formation. He believed that the key to reaching young people was through love and compassion, rather than harsh discipline or punishment. He also recognized the importance of catechesis in forming young people in the faith.

In his famous “Dream of the Two Pillars,” Bosco saw the Church as a great ship that was being tossed about on a stormy sea. The ship was anchored by two pillars, one representing the Eucharist and the other the devotion to Mary, Help of Christians. Bosco realized that these two pillars were also crucial for the education and formation of young people: “With these two columns firmly fixed in the ground, I realized that the ship would not sink,” he wrote.

Bosco’s legacy lives on today in the work of the Salesians and other organizations that continue his mission of caring for the young and teaching the faith. But his example also reminds us of the power of catechesis as a work of mercy and a means of bringing God’s love to the world.

In conclusion, the spiritual works of mercy, especially the work of catechesis, are vital for the growth and vitality of the Church. They are an expression of our call to love and serve our fellow human beings, both in their physical and spiritual needs. May we all strive to be faithful and generous disciples of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve.