Spiritual Works of Mercy

The Seven Sorrows of Mary can shed light on so many things. It can help us pray the 7 petitions of the Our Father. It can help us learn the 7 virtues that strengthen us to overcome the 7 deadly sins. There are many other examples.

Today I'd like to share how the Seven Sorrows can help us learn and practice the 7 Spiritual Works of Mercy. 

This is included in my book, "Treasures of Grace."

Through her Seven Sorrows, we can learn and practice the spiritual works of mercy. These include instructing the ignorant, admonishing sinners, counseling the doubting, comforting the sorrowful, forgiving injuries, bearing wrongs patiently, and praying for the dead. (Cf. paragraph 2447 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.)

COUNSEL THE DOUBTING
At the Presentation in the Temple, Simeon was “awaiting the consolation of Israel,” and he found it when he saw Mary carrying Jesus.
Mary, help us to share Jesus with others who are doubting.

ADMONISH THE SINNER
Joseph, Mary, and Jesus had to flee to Egypt because Herod sought to kill Jesus.
Mary, may we have the courage to admonish sinners who are killing the life of grace in their soul. And please give us the wisdom to discern situations from which we should walk away.

INSTRUCT THE IGNORANT
After Mary lost Jesus in Jerusalem, she found Him in the Temple asking questions and giving answers to the teachers there.
Mary, may we have the wisdom to instruct the ignorant by asking the right questions and offering the right answers to those who are searching for Jesus, even if they don’t know it is Christ they seek.

BEAR WRONGS PATIENTLY
As Mary walked with Jesus on the Road to Calvary, she encountered misguided soldiers and blind religious leaders who killed her Son.
Mary, may we bear wrongs patiently, as you did on the Road to Calvary.

COMFORT THE SORROWFUL
As Mary stood at the foot of the cross, she was a source of consolation for St. John and St. Mary Magdalen.
Mary, may we comfort the sorrowful as you comforted others at the foot of the cross.

FORGIVE INJURIES
When Mary received the dead body of her Son, she didn’t just forgive the enemies of Jesus; she agreed to be their Spiritual Mother.
Mary, may we have the charity to forgive injuries, as you did at the foot of the cross.

PRAY FOR THE DEAD
Mary, as we consider how you devoutly placed Jesus’ body in the tomb, may we pray for the dead, especially those we might struggle to forgive.

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