All of us are called to exercise the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Here is a little memory device that we can use by looking around the inside of the Cathedral church to remind us of the Spiritual works of mercy.
Recalling the 7 Spiritual Works of Mercy
A method of learning and then remembering the 7 spiritual works of mercy.
Instructing the ignorant
Stained glass windows
Studying the stained glass we are instructed about many things in the life of Christ and the teachings and history of the Church. One of ours at the Cathedral shows Jesus teaching the little children.
Counseling the doubtful
Image of Our Lady
Beholding Our Lady’s image brings to mind her title, Our Lady of Good Counsel. When the servants at the wedding feast of Cana didn’t know what to do, she counseled them, “do whatever He (Jesus) tells you”.
Comforting the sorrowful
Image of Our Lord
Look at the image of Our Lord who said, “come unto me all you who are heavily burdened and I will give you rest.”
Reproving the sinner
Pulpit
See and hear the priest exhorting us to “turn away from sin and believe in the gospel.”
St. John Vianney was said to be as ferocious as lion in the pulpit to bring sinners to repentance, but as gentle as a lamb as their confessor.
Forgiving injuries
Confessional
When we see the confessional occupied by a priest, it calls us to come and seek forgiveness. “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them.”
Bearing wrongs patiently
Stations of the Cross
Upon seeing what Our Lord endured in carrying the cross, we are astonished and inspired by His patience in bearing wrongs.
Praying for the living and the dead
Votive candles
The bright flame that consumes the candle is a symbol of our intense prayer for the living and the dead.
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