The Book of Matthew teaches us that there are seven distinct acts of mercy to be performed to ensure salvation beyond this life. In practice, there are fourteen acts- 7 corporal acts to be performed by laymen and 7 spiritual acts to be performed by clergy and those of greater Faith.
The seven corporal works of mercy
- Feed the hungry.
- Give drink to the thirsty.
- Clothe the naked.
- Shelter the homeless.
- Visiting the sick.
- Visit the imprisoned.
- Burying the dead.
The seven corporal works of spiritual mercy
- Counsel the doubtful.
- Instruct the ignorant.
- Warn sinners.
- Comfort the afflicted.
- Forgive offenses.
- Bear wrongs patiently
- Pray for the living and the dead.