Session 8: Mercy

Part of Pope Francis’s message in his encyclical, (letter), called Laudato Si, is that caring for our

common home includes treating others with respect and dignity. In this lesson we think more

deeply about the concept of “mercy.”

Take a moment to explain to a parent the meaning of the word MERCY.

At its core, “mercy” means compassion and forgiveness. You may be justly angry about being

wronged, but God challenges us to show mercy by being compassionate and forgiving.

Let’s look in the Scripture.

Think about it: What exactly do you think Jesus means by “love your enemies?” How can I show

loving actions towards enemies?

Why does Jesus say we should love our enemies?

(God is merciful and loving towards the “ungrateful” and the “wicked.”)

Now let’s take a look at an instance where Jesus taught others about mercy.

We have opportunities in our lives to not literally, but figuratively, cast stones at people. These

“stones” are not physical objects like in the Bible story, but they are just as damaging. In what ways do

we cast stones in everyday situations?

Consider these questions:

Do you harbor a grudge against someone else? (remain angry over a past wrong)
Do you gossip, even when what you say may be untrue?
Do you exclude, push away, or punish others because of something they have done?
Do you secretly envy another? (want what they have)

Remember the Corporal Works of Mercy? This is the model Christ gives us for how we are to treat

others, as if they were Christ in disguise.

We have to remember that every human being is made in “the image and likeness of God,” that includes

people we do not know and even people who have been unkind or hurtful toward us. Works of Mercy

allow us to extend God’s compassion and mercy to those in need. The Corporal Works of Mercy give

us an opportunity to help our neighbors with their material and physical needs. The Spiritual Works of

focus more on our relationship with others. Through prayer and action, we can help others with spiritual

needs. In the above Scripture passage, Jesus tells his followers that the way they treat others will

determine where they spend eternity. For deeper understanding of the Corporal and Spiritual Works

of Mercy, watch the following:

The following activity requires you to reflect on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

OLS Virtual Classroom