Mercy’s Power by Maria Gallagher

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

A New Book

As always, learning about a new book is a joy and even more so when the author is a friend! Maria Gallagher has written another book, Mercy’s Power, published by Marian Press. It is a guidebook of how to bring the corporal works of mercy into your life to help us recreate the culture of life that is so needed in our world.

Bringing Mercy

What is mercy? In our conversation, Maria said, “mercy is love in action.” Does that not seem like a big enough theological statement for something so important ion our spiritual life? Truthfully, God’s mercy is not complicated. It is about taking what we have been given and giving it to others as God gives it to us. Without judgment, counting the cost, or expecting a return.

Purpose of Mercy’s Power

To give people tried and true ways of accompanying others with mercy during times of trouble. Whether it be a woman thinking abortion is the answer or someone sick deciding assisted suicide is the way, how can we be present and show our care and do something to help now?

Maria says, “This is the book I wish I had when I was starting out.”

Links

Sisters of Life

Purchase Maria’s Book 

Follow Maria on Instagram

This week, consider doing a corporal work of mercy for someone in need. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, bury the dead, visit the sick, shelter the homeless, or visit the imprisoned,

 

Meet Lara Patangan, author of Simple Mercies

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

What did you do when you turned 40?

Lara Patangan wanted to mark the milestone with a year of mercy. She decided to embrace the corporal and spiritual works of mercy by doing them all year long. And what began as an experiment of sorts became a turning point in her faith life.

What are works of mercy?

Without writing a theological treatise, it is a set of Corporal (related to the body) and Spiritual (related to the soul) works that the Catholic Church asks us to do in our daily lives. They are based on Matthew 25. Some examples are: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the imprisoned, bury the dead and comfort the sorrowful.

What did Lara learn?

God is a giver of extravagant mercy and he really, really loves us all. At times, our service to others may seem mundane, but it all matters and makes a difference.

Her book, Simple Mercies: How the Works of Mercy bring Peace and Fulfilment published by Our Sunday Visitor is meant to inspire and encourage others to live out their faith every day by sharing God’s mercy with the people we encounter.

Lara suggests we practice giving one act of mercy towards someone else today and receiving one act of mercy from someone else today.

Follow Lara Patagan on Facebook, Instagram, and go to her website to download a free study guide for her book.

 

 

 

 

 

What are the Works of Mercy?

A Production of the Ultimate Christian Podcast Network.

Works of Mercy

How can we serve others? The Church talks about the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy, a means of helping those around you in very real and tangible ways.

Here are 2 images that break it down for you

 

 

 

 

 

When you look at these lists and explanations and ideas, what tugs at you? Consider thinking about you can serve in one of these areas on a regular basis.