Pastor's Reflection - October 26, 2025

Dear Parish Family,

In our journey as disciples of Christ, we are called not only to care for the physical needs of others but also to tend to the needs of the soul. This is where the Spiritual Works of Mercy come into focus: seven beautiful and challenging ways we are invited to love others as Christ loves us. While the Corporal Works of Mercy address tangible, bodily needs (feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, etc.), the Spiritual Works of Mercy remind us that the soul, too, hungers for truth, peace, guidance, and forgiveness.

These seven works are:

• Instructing the ignorant

• Counseling the doubtful

• Admonishing the sinner

• Bearing wrongs patiently

• Forgiving offenses willingly

• Comforting the afflicted

• Praying for the living and the dead

Each of these is rooted in the Gospel and reflects how Christ ministered to those around Him. Consider how often Jesus taught, forgave, consoled, and prayed for others. He met people not only in their physical suffering but also in their confusion, grief, and moral struggles. Through these works, we are invited to do the same.

In a world overwhelmed by noise, division, and uncertainty, the spiritual works are more needed than ever. They require not money or special resources, but a heart open to the Holy Spirit, a willingness to listen, and a spirit of humility. Sometimes, the most merciful act is a patient ear, a word of encouragement, or the silent offering of prayer.

These works also challenge us to grow in holiness. It is not always easy to forgive, to bear wrongs patiently, or to lovingly correct someone. But when done in charity, these acts become channels of grace for both the giver and the receiver.

This week, I encourage each of us to reflect on how we can live these works in our daily lives. Is there someone in need of encouragement or prayer? Have we harbored a grudge too long? Can we offer a word of hope or guidance to someone in confusion? Let us be, in the words of St. Teresa of Ávila, Christ’s hands and feet on earth, bringing His mercy to both body and soul.

In Christ,

Fr. James Northrop

In our journey as disciples of Christ, we are called not only to care for the physical needs of

others but also to tend to the needs of the soul. This is where the Spiritual Works of Mercy come

into focus: seven beautiful and challenging ways we are invited to love others as Christ loves us.

While the Corporal Works of Mercy address tangible, bodily needs (feeding the hungry,

sheltering the homeless, etc.), the Spiritual Works of Mercy remind us that the soul, too, hungers

for truth, peace, guidance, and forgiveness.

These seven works are:

• Instructing the ignorant

• Counseling the doubtful

• Admonishing the sinner

• Bearing wrongs patiently

• Forgiving offenses willingly

• Comforting the afflicted

• Praying for the living and the dead

Each of these is rooted in the Gospel and reflects how Christ ministered to those around Him.

Consider how often Jesus taught, forgave, consoled, and prayed for others. He met people not

only in their physical suffering but also in their confusion, grief, and moral struggles. Through

these works, we are invited to do the same.

In a world overwhelmed by noise, division, and uncertainty, the spiritual works are more needed

than ever. They require not money or special resources, but a heart open to the Holy Spirit, a

willingness to listen, and a spirit of humility. Sometimes, the most merciful act is a patient ear, a

word of encouragement, or the silent offering of prayer.

These works also challenge us to grow in holiness. It is not always easy to forgive, to bear

wrongs patiently, or to lovingly correct someone. But when done in charity, these acts become

channels of grace for both the giver and the receiver.

This week, I encourage each of us to reflect on how we can live these works in our daily lives. Is

there someone in need of encouragement or prayer? Have we harbored a grudge too long? Can

we offer a word of hope or guidance to someone in confusion?

Let us be, in the words of St. Teresa of Ávila, Christ’s hands and feet on earth, bringing His

mercy to both body and soul.

In Christ,

Fr. James Northrop