Spiritual Works of Mercy: Instruct the Ignorant

Now don’t get it wrong—“ignorant” does not mean “stupid” or “unintelligent”.  It simply means lacking in knowledge in a particular area. Given that definition, even the most highly educated professor in one of the finest universities can be ignorant in spiritual matters.

  Each one of us is well-instructed in some areas and ignorant in others. That’s why we continue to study and learn the Christian faith. In this spiritual work of mercy, we are called to share what we have learned with those who may not have learned it yet.

  In this wonderful time in history we have more opportunities to learn about God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Scripture, etc. than at any time in the past. There are books, homilies, teachings, the media, the internet, podcasts, radio, CDs, etc.  During our lifetime we will avail ourselves of only a fraction of what is out there. Each of us received what we have learned from different sources. Therefore, we each have knowledge and insight that may be helpful for someone else.

  The Holy Spirit prompts us when He wants us to share what we have learned with others. Sometimes this can be one on one; other times with a group. We must never think that we are not smart enough or knowledgeable enough to share with others. Faith is a gift, not something that is learned. Everyone who has the ability to understand the Gospel is capable of passing on spiritual truths to others.

  There are also more formal ways of sharing the faith with others such as teaching children, adult education, men’s or women’s sharing groups, or Bible Study. In the Life in the Spirit Seminars ordinary people give the talks and witness to what God has done in their lives.

  In Matthew 28:19-20, the Apostles are instructed by Jesus to “go…make disciples of all the nations….Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.”   We are not all called to be bishops or priests, but we are all called to disciple those God has put in our paths, such as children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews.

  Jesus said: Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation. This was spoken to eleven apostles, but it’s His Word for all Christians as well.

  St. Paul tells St. Timothy in 2 Tim 3:16 that All Scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching—for reproof, correction, and training in holiness… .  It’s a spiritual work of mercy to share God’s Word with others, whether formally teaching children, facilitating a Bible Study, or informally, in just talking with someone.

  In St. Paul’s letter to Titus he instructs the older women to: teach the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be sensible, chaste, busy at home, kindly, submissive to their husbands. (Titus 2:3b-5a)  Both older women and men have the responsibility to mentor younger men and women not only in the faith, but in morality and how to be men and women of good character.

    God calls some of us to the ministry of spiritual direction; to help another person discern God’s Will for them. Sometimes the Holy Spirit leads a person to us who is new to the faith or less spiritually mature. We then serve as an informal spiritual director for them.

  These are just a few of the ways to fulfill the spiritual work of mercy to “Instruct the ignorant.” Perhaps you are surprised that what you have been doing for many years is actually a spiritual work of mercy. Or perhaps the Holy Spirit has shown you a new area where He would like you to serve. Either way, may God bless your efforts to serve Him.

Drugs or God?

Karl Marx said: "God is the opiate of the people", and he was right. God is the only remedy that really works. If people looked to God for help, there would be much less need for drugs.
  Drugs are also a temporary solution; and the more you take them, the more you need to achieve the same result. Then they eventually damage the body or kill the person.
  Not so with God. You can never have too much of God. The closer you get to Him the better you become--physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The knowledge and presence of God never has a detrimental effect on the body.
  So instead of taking drugs take in God's Word in the Bible. Spend time in prayer and adoration. Read Christian spiritual classics and lives of the Saints. Attend Mass or worship services. Receive the Eucharist often. This will bring health to your body and your soul.


  My son, forget not my teaching, keep in mind my commands; for many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you.  Proverbs 3:1-2

Why Does God Love Us?

We know God loves us from His Word to us in the New Testament, through who Jesus is and what He revealed to us about the Father in Heaven. We know God loves us despite our sinfulness and rebellious spirits.
  With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you. Jeremiah 31:3
  Yes, God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life. John 3:16
  But have you ever thought about why God loves us? Or why He loves us unconditionally; despite our sinfulness and lack of love for Him and obedience to Him?
  I think having a child helps us to better understand God's love for us. I have four children. I love each of them unconditionally. I love them not for what they do, but for who they are. Yes, I am more pleased with the behavior of some. It makes me happy if they are good people: good citizens; faithful husbands and wives; respectful to me and their father; good workers; faithful to God. But I do not love them any more or less if they are not.
  I love them because they are my children. They are a part of me. They are bonded with me through blood. Nothing they do or don't do will ever change that.
  You may say: "But not all parents love their children like that. Many parents favor one child over another or love a child in relation to who they are or what they do." God knows that and He addressed that in His Word:
  Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget my own. Isaiah 49:15
  So the fact that a mother or father may fail to love their child unconditionally, or even abandon their child, does not mean that God is like that.
  So, if you are a child of God, if you are baptized in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, rejoice today in the unconditional love of God for you.
  And if you are not, then know that God loves you because you are His marvelous creation. He is calling you to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and be baptized so you can enjoy all the blessings of being a child of God and eternal life with Him after you die.