Works of Mercy – Holy Trinity Church

Nine years ago, when I was a newly ordained priest, I was sent to serve at Holy Cross Church in Charlotte as a parochial vicar. My pastor, Fr. Thomas Wheeland (now rest in the Peace of Christ) insisted the importance “to be always there” for the community. Even though the priest does many things or maybe not, the presence of the priest is important in the life of each person of our community. This presence means hospitality. But, what is hospitality? “The word ‘hospitality’ has its etymological beginnings in the Middle Ages, from the Latin hospitalitem (meaning ‘friendliness to guests’). This ‘friendliness’ is evident throughout salvation history and especially within the Gospels and Acts of the Apostles. Jesus’ ministry often depended upon the hospitality of others” (ncregister).

This weekend’s Gospel (Lk.10:38-42) is an example of the kind of hospitality that Jesus received by Martha and Mary in Bethany. Martha was worried for doing the right thing, so that her guest feels all the hospitality that she could bring. Mary was at Jesus’ feet listening to Him. Both actions, serve and listen, are very important because through them, people feel that they are important.

The Roman Catholic Church, based on the Gospel, introduces us to the Works of Mercy, which are a set of charitable actions that help us to care for other people in their physical and spiritual needs. If we really practice the Works of Mercy, we are showing hospitality to our brothers and sisters. Let us remember the Works of Mercy:

The Corporal Works of Mercy

Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty Shelter the homeless Visit the sick
Visit the prisoners Bury the dead
Give alms to the poor

The Spiritual Works of Mercy

Counseling the doubtful Instructing the ignorant Admonishing the sinner Comforting the sorrowful Forgiving injuries
Bearing wrongs patiently
Praying for the living and the dead

Let us cultivate hospitality in our wonderful family of Holy Trinity Church. In our parish, we have some ministries (pastor, deacon, greeters, ushers, lectors, altar servers, choir, and so on) which have the mission to be hospitable with each one of the persons who come and participate in the sacred liturgy. However, this is not only the task of those who participate in these ministries. This is also our task. We should show hospitality in our parish, our homes, our neighborhoods, or wherever we are. We need to serve the Lord like Martha and Mary did, always recognizing in others the face of Jesus. Remember, Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt. 25:40).

Remember, the parish that we dream is the parish that I help to build.

God bless you, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary be with you always!

Fr. Jorge Ramirez