“Adoration of the Shepherds” (detail) by Gerard van Honthorst
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19).
Jesus, reading these words from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, draws attention to His identity and mission. An important aspect of Christian discipleship is to be discovered in this ancient prophecy.
If we are to follow Jesus, if we are to walk as He walks, then we must abide in His mission.
As long as there are captives, oppressed and afflicted among us, either spiritually or physically, there is mission work to be done. We are to proclaim the good news that Jesus is Lord and live out His life in solidarity to those He came to release. This will take us beyond our comfort zone into the mission fields, be they across oceans, across town or across the room.
Are you ready to live the works of mercy with determination and passion?
The Works of Mercy
| The Spiritual Works of Mercy | The Corporal Works of Mercy |
| 1. To instruct the ignorant | 1. To feed the hungry |
| 2. To counsel the doubtful | 2. To give drink to the thirsty |
| 3. To admonish the sinner | 3. To clothe the naked |
| 4. To bear wrongs patiently | 4. To shelter the homeless |
| 5. To forgive offenses willingly | 5. To visit the sick |
| 6. To comfort the afflicted | 6. To rescue the captive |
| 7. To pray for the living and the dead | 7. To bury the dead |
Deacon Bickerstaff is available to speak at your parish or event. Be sure to check out his Speaker Page to learn more. Into the Deep is a regular feature of the The Integrated Catholic Life™.
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