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Pop-Up Catechesis: Easter and the Spiritual Works of Mercy

by Joe Paprocki, D.Min.
  

Easter lily - Warling Studios. © Loyola Press. All rights reserved.

The 50 days of the Easter season provide us with plenty of time to spread the hope and joy of the Risen Christ to others. One of the ways that we do this is by performing Spiritual Works of Mercy. While the Corporal Works of Mercy aim to help our neighbors with their material and physical needs, the Spiritual Works of Mercy aim to help people with their emotional and spiritual needs. All works of mercy, however, share one thing in common: their goal is to bring new life through hope to those who are experiencing some form of despair. Our belief in the Risen Christ reminds us that the light of Christ has overcome the darkness.

In this episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the first three Spiritual Works of Mercy: instruct, advise, and comfort.

In this next episode of Pop-Up Catechesis, we explore the following Spiritual Works of Mercy: admonishing, forgiving, and bearing wrongs patiently.

I did not address the seventh Spiritual Work of Mercy, "pray for the living and the dead," in the video, since that is self-explanatory.

Note: While the language in lists of the Works of Mercy sometimes varies, the idea of caring for the needs of our neighbors is true throughout. See the Catechism of the Catholic Church #2447 and more information on the USCCB website.

Joe Paprocki, D.Min.

Joe Paprocki, D.Min.

Joe Paprocki, D.Min. has more than 40 years of experience in ministry and has presented keynotes, presentations, and workshops in more than 150 dioceses in North America.

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The Ascension

Mark's Gospel originally ends with the empty tomb. Stories of Jesus' appearances were added later. Matthew and John contain stories of Jesus' Resurrection and of his continued appearances to his disciples. Luke, however, introduces the story of Jesus' Ascension. In his Gospel, after Jesus is raised in glory, he teaches his disciples for 40 days so they can carry on his mission. When these days of instruction are over, he ascends to heaven to be with God the Father.

When the disciples are filled with the Holy Spirit 10 days later, they are ready to carry on Jesus' mission from Jerusalem to Rome and the very ends of the empire. This mission of the early Church is described in the Acts of the Apostles.

Story of Emmaus

The story of Emmaus beautifully shows the disciples’ journey into faith after the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. The disciples are walking away from Jerusalem, discouraged by the events that led to Jesus’ Death. Jesus joins them on the walk and explains the scriptures to them. They are interested but not convinced. Finally they arrive at an inn. The disciples offer hospitality and Jesus accepts. They realize who he is when he breaks bread with them.

The exact distance of Emmaus from the city of Jerusalem is disputed. The distance is estimated to have been from one to seven miles.