Being Doers of the Word

Corporal Works of Mercy=Being Doers of the Word

The homily series, Be Doers of the Word, Not Just Hearers, has been underway for several weeks. As Catholics, we believe Jesus is food for the world, and as Jesus Christ feeds us with the Eucharist, so are we called to feed the world. Naturally, we seek practical ways to be doers of the Word. Many of us consider the Corporal Works of Mercy important opportunities to live out the Word. They are a natural outgrowth of the Catholics’ desire to be the living Eucharist. They are seven concrete ways that we can do something to put the Word of God into action. 

Practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy, feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, healing the sick, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, comforting the imprisoned, and burying the dead are good ways to be doers of the Word. They are an outgrowth of the Beatitudes and are practices to help us grow in our vulnerability to the needs of others.

Earlier in the month, James F. Keenan, S.J. wrote an article for American Media, “A brief history of the corporal works of mercy.” The development of the works of mercy has an interesting history. Keenan wrote that his definition of mercy is “the willingness to enter into the chaos of another.” That reflects Jesus’ Incarnation so well. Practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy can be very chaotic. Opening ourselves to the needs of others leads to involvement in their lives filled with crisis and dysfunction. Practicing the Corporal Works always comes at a cost to us materially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Keenan wrote that healing the sick is one of the foundational works of mercy. It was a significant activity of Jesus during his public ministry, and according to the New Testament, Peter, Paul, and the other Apostles practiced it.

Release of prisoners was also an essential work of mercy for the early Church. It went beyond visiting them; it included paying ransoms and even becoming substitutes for some. As the Church progressed, religious communities made it their work to walk with condemned prisoners. Keenan noted that St. Alphonsus Liguori wrote that ministering to those condemned to death and offering sympathy was so critical because of the great anxieties suffered by the condemned. They feared eternal punishment for their crimes, the dread of execution, its public shame, their lives being cut short, and often the regret of leaving behind families without the benefit of support and protection.

Keenan wrote that, interestingly, the corporal work of burying the dead had a great impact on the pagan world. Early Christians didn’t only bury their own dead but all those abandoned. They also prayed for their souls. That activity is also impressive today. St. Teresa of Kolkata became renowned because she and her Missionaries of Charity practiced this work of mercy. They walked the streets of the teeming Indian city seeking to comfort the abandoned dying, bringing them to their convent, offering them some solace in their last days, and giving them a proper burial.

Consider how you can live the Corporal Works of Mercy here at Holy Redeemer. It need not be heroic, only sincere, and generous. 

Closing in on the Goal

The 2024 Holy Redeemer Annual Collection is drawing to its close. That date is September 30. This annual fundraiser, conducted during August and September, is the parish’s most important fundraiser. We ask full-time and seasonal parishioners to make a one-time generous gift to support the parish through the leaner winter months. This year, we have budgeted a goal of $85,000 to be raised by the collection. We are on the way to meeting that objective. Recently, parishioners who have not yet contributed to the Annual Collection received a follow-up letter. Please read the letter and send in your donation promptly.

Donations above our goal will finance several parish projects. They include renovations to our parking lot, replacing Our Lady of Grace Chapel doors, and ultimately replacing the siding on Holy Redeemer Church.

Reaction to our recent church renovations has been overwhelmingly positive. Parishioners and visitors alike admire our physical improvements and spiritual growth. They benefit all, and all parishioners need to feel a sense of ownership of improvements to our church facilities. If you have yet to contribute to the Annual Collection, join in the enthusiasm and contribute today.

Can you increase your weekly budget contribution if you can’t donate to the Annual Collection? When was the last time you reflected on the gift you give to God and the work of the Church? The parish experiences inflation and increased costs like everyone else. Prayerfully consider your support of our parish and be as generous as possible. 

Final CECH Walk Returns

At least, I think it’s final. In August, Fr. John did his annual five-mile personal Walk-a-Thon to raise funds for CECH, the Chatham Ecumenical Council for the Homeless. Many parishioners were very generous to support his efforts. Parishioners contributed a total of $7,679. Thank you to everyone who lent their support. These donations will help keep some needy people sheltered and safe this winter.

Blessing of Animals

October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis is most renowned as the founder of the Franciscan Order and as the patron of animals. Holy Redeemer plans to celebrate our annual Blessing of the Animals in our parking lot on Sunday, October 6, at Noon. Plan to bring your dogs, cats, gerbils, and guinea pigs to receive God the Creator of All’s blessing.