News and Events: Works of Mercy in your home.

We've all heard the phrase "Charity begins at home."  It's an old saying that reminds us that while we all like to be helpful and charitable to those in need we should be helpful and charitable to those who we live with first of all.  Our spouse, children, brothers and sisters have the first claim to our good works.

"Charity begins at home" got me thinking about the Year of Mercy.  Should Mercy begin at home too?  It's great to want to help others who are less fortunate then we are.  It's wonderful to want to be involved in the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and I don't want to discourage that in any way.  But sometimes we can travel across town, across the State or even to the other side of the country to find someone to help when there is someone who is in need of our help in our very own home and in our own family.

You can feed the hungry by volunteering at a food pantry or by fixing dinner for your family.  It really depends on your attitude and your intention.  Remember that St. Therese of Lisieux taught that picking up a pin for the love of God could convert a soul.  It is wonderful to go visit the sick and elderly in the nursing facility but when was the last time that you went to your grandmother's house and had a nice visit with her? When was the last time you visited with your mother instead of calling her on your cell phone on the way to pick up the children from soccer practice?

It may not seem exciting or earth shattering or even spiritually fulfilling to sweep the floor, fold the laundry, cut the grass, fix the car or empty the dishwasher.  But St. Faustina reminds us that we can show mercy in deeds, words or prayer.  So by all means, volunteer and help others in your city but don't forget to show mercy first of all to those of your own family.