Which list describes the spiritual works of mercy?

• A. The corporal works of mercy
• B. The Beatitudes
• C. The Ten Commandments
• D. The spiritual works of mercy

Answer: (D)

Understanding two kinds of mercy helps here. The spiritual works of mercy are acts that help people’s souls and faith life, not their bodies. So the list that describes these spiritual acts is the one that includes things like instructing the ignorant, counseling the doubtful, admonishing sinners, comforting the afflicted, forgiving offenses, bearing wrongs patiently, and praying for the living and the dead. The other choices point to different ideas: corporal works of mercy are the physical acts that meet bodily needs (like feeding the hungry or visiting the sick); the Beatitudes are Jesus’ blessings; the Ten Commandments are moral laws. Therefore, the phrase that matches this category is the spiritual works of mercy.