In Lent we are called to conversion, a changing of our ways. Such changes must not endure only for the forty days of the season, but rather demonstrate that we are making steps forward all of the time. So, what will you change? What will be new?

Many of you remember the “corporal” and “spiritual” works of mercy. Reviewing your life in regard to the works of mercy may be a very effective way to determine what changes you want to make in your life. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy such evaluation and change seems very appropriate.

The “corporal” works of mercy are: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, harbor the harborless or shelter the homeless, visit the sick, ransom the captive or visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead. All of these works can be done in our local area. There are hospitals, shelters, food pantries, prisons, and funeral homes and churches where we can be trained and volunteer to meet people in relation to these works of mercy.

The “spiritual” works of mercy are: instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, admonish sinners, bear wrongs patiently, forgive offences willingly, comfort the afflicted, and pray for the living and the dead. To complete these works of mercy we need not even leave our homes. Many of these works can be done within our own families. Additionally, we can communicate with others by phone, email, regular mail, and by their visits to our homes.

Conversion is not easy. Nonetheless, there are long-standing methods by which to accomplish conversion. The Church offers us the season of Lent by which to intensify our journey of conversion. Let’s use Lent and let us cooperate by helping each other to experience the changes to which we are called and for which we have a set of values to follow, namely, the works of mercy.

Peace, Fr. Andy