If you are trying to come up with some ideas about how to live the best Lent you can, consider practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy. Below, you will find an essay that proposes making the Corporal Works of Mercy a part of your daily life as a way to live the Order’s charism. Despite many claims on how long it takes to form a habit, much literature suggests it depends. Why not find out by resolving to practice some Corporal Work of Mercy every day until Easter? Then keep going and make it a part of your life for the rest of your life.

Sometimes, circumstances find members of the Order unable to participate in Area or Association activities. Covid would have been one significant reason in the last two years but even in normal circumstances, schedules might not match, some Areas do not offer many opportunities, some members have specific talents or interests that are not represented in Area offerings.

Some members who find themselves unable to participate in group programs and even those involved now who may be seeking ways to broaden their activities in support of the charism can look no further than the Corporal Works of Mercy for inspiration. seek opportunities on their own. The Corporal Works of Mercy offer an excellent framework in which to find inspiration.

There are different ways of listing the seven corporal works of mercy; the USCCB website offers the following: Feed the hungry, Give drink to the thirsty, Shelter the homeless, Visit the sick, Visit the prisoners, Bury the dead, and Give alms to the poor.

Mark Sullivan, KM, a Knight from Eastern Connecticut suggested to the American Association Hospitaller, Kenneth Craig that he and many members have been seeking opportunities to live the charism for longer than they have been Knights or Dames. “These personal activities that follow the Corporal Works of Mercy”, Mark said, “can supplement what an Area offers and provide opportunities every day to live the charism. It is a Knight’s or Dame’s offering of their time, talent, goods or services often closely linked to their professions and avocations. We have such an abundance of gifts as members of the Order of Malta, including a strong Catholic Faith and an inherent passion for charity. Many members have the time, their own personal resources, and an interest in helping others. We are witnessing now that people’s needs are more striking than ever before. Their health, hopes, Faith, future and finances are severely impacted. Giving of our own goods and services can become as much a part of our lives as reciting the Daily Prayer of the Order. Our sharing with those in need is living the charism of service that is central to the spiritual path we have chosen.”

There are as many opportunities to live out the Corporal Works of Mercy as there are situations in which someone needs help. Being on the lookout does not take more than being aware of what is around you. The needs show up everywhere. Some obvious examples including volunteering for work your parish might need, working as a literacy volunteer; Catholic schools and CCD programs often welcome volunteers. Spending time in Eucharistic Adoration and offering your prayers for those in need can yield untold graces. Shopping for seniors and shut ins who can’t get out and driving seniors and shut-ins to medical and dental appointments provide services that seem ordinary but make a big difference. You could organize or participate in a clothing drive. Those with specific skills such as legal or accounting skills could make a big difference in someone’s life. Sometimes the person who needs help could be right in front of you – a neighbor or nearby relative who doesn’t want to ask but would welcome someone volunteering.

The haunting words of Matthew 25 remind us that we are here for a purpose: “Then they will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or ill or in prison, and not minister to your needs?’”

Mother Teresa is famous for many powerful quotes; most of them can be related to the call to practice the Corporal Works of Mercy. One that stands out is, “You did it to me!

For a brief recounting of an incident from Mother Teresa’s life, click here – a novice on the first day finds Christ in the body of a dying man.

Click here to visit the USCCB website, which provides practical suggestions that you as an individual can do for each specific work of mercy.