Ever since we began the Year of Mercy on December 8th, I have been thinking of ways I can more fully live out the works of mercy.  Through a conversation with a friend, it became clear that we often are doing these things daily, without even realizing it.  As a mom of little ones, I’d like to share my perspective on living out the corporal works of mercy. 

Feed the hungry: 
This is an obvious one.  When you have children of any age, you are constantly preparing meals and snacks to help keep their little tummies full.  We can take a moment while we prepare the food to thank God that we have something to offer our little (or big) ones, and make sure we always have room at the table for one more.  We can choose to be grateful for the opportunity to serve and ask God to bless and nourish the bodies that we feed.  We can also share with those who need a little help, by donating food items to St. Vincent de Paul or other community services. 

Give drink to the thirsty:  
My kids love to drink out of my cup or water bottle… all the time.  I think the fact that I tell them not to makes it all the more appealing.  In those moments when they sneak around to take a quick drink, may I be reminded to pray for patience and a gentle spirit, and to keep things in proper perspective.  As our kids come to us throughout the day, asking for a drink, let us all be reminded of God’s thirst for a relationship with us, and make time for prayer.  The Catechism puts it this way, “The wonder of prayer is revealed beside the well, where we come seeking water: there, Christ comes to every human being.  It is he who first seeks us and asks us for a drink.  Jesus thirsts; his asking arises from the depths of God’s desire for us. Whether we realize it or not, prayer is the encounter of God’s thirst with ours.  God thirsts that we may thirst for him.”  CCC 2560

Clothe the naked: 
Whether it is my daughter, who loves to pick out her own clothes (which may or may not match) or my little guy, who is very excited about potty training right now, and more often than not, needs to be reminded to keep his pants on… I am very often clothing the naked. As you help them into a clean shirt after a messy snack time, or see your little princess running around in a tutu, dress and tights of every color and pattern, pray with thanksgiving that you have something to dress them in, and remember to share your fortune with those who have less, and donate outgrown or new clothes to those who need them.   

Shelter the homeless: 
We give our children a warm bed to sleep in, and tuck them in tight… and just when we think we might have some time to relax a bit (or catch up on laundry), we hear those famous words, “Mommy, will you lay down with me?” In those times when we are tempted to put our own needs first, let us ask for the grace to be selfless, and give our children what they need most: the comfort of being next to us.  There will come a time when they are too big to want to snuggle and can put themselves to bed all on their own.  Let us embrace these moments of wanting mom or dad next to them, and give them the gift of presence.  After your endless singing of Twinkle Twinkle has brought them to a peaceful sleep, pray for those who sleep outdoors, that they are brought the same comfort and peace.  

Visit the sick: 
It always seems to come at a time when you least expect it: in the car, in a restaurant, at Mass…kids suddenly get sick.  When it does happen, we don’t hesitate; we respond out of love and care for them, without a second thought.  In those moments, puke doesn’t seem to faze us, we are ready with tissues for drippy noses, and have our movies and books lined up to lift their spirits.  As you take care of a sick child, pray for those who are terminally ill and thank God for all those who are in good health.  

Visit the imprisoned:  
Yes, there is a prison in my house.  It’s called time out.  And it is frequently occupied.  As you find yourself sending the littles to take a time out, pray that you will be granted the wisdom to teach them virtue and character, with love and patience.  Ask your children to pray with you, for those who are in prison.  

Bury the dead: 
There comes a time every now and then, when you have helped your child search high and low, but even with the whole house turned upside down, Minnie Mouse, “Goodnight Moon,” or their favorite blanket is nowhere to be found.  We have to help our children move past the thing they love most and to keep going; grab another toy to snuggle or pick out a different book to read.  Life must go on.  This is a hard thing for children to experience.  As adults, may we be reminded of what we need to let go of and where we need to move on. And let us take courage, knowing that God is always there with us, each step of the way.  

Whether you have children in your home or not, let us take advantage of this Jubilee year by living out the works of mercy in our own homes.