Which list describes the corporal works of mercy?

• A. Spiritual works of mercy
• B. Corporal works of mercy
• C. The Seven Gifts
• D. The Seven Virtues

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is the difference between types of mercy acts. Corporal works of mercy are the physical, hands-on actions that meet people’s bodily needs. The option that names this category—corporal works of mercy—is the correct choice. Think of examples like feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and burying the dead. These are concrete actions that help people in their daily lives.

The other choices point to different concepts: spiritual works of mercy are about helping someone’s soul or spiritual well-being; The Seven Gifts are gifts of the Holy Spirit; The Seven Virtues are moral virtues. They aren’t lists of physical acts of mercy, which is why they don’t describe the corporal works.