460. What is the Lord's fifth precept for blessedness?
They who would be blessed must be merciful.
461. How are we to fulfill this precept?
By works of mercy, corporal and spiritual; for, as St. Chrysostom says, the forms of mercy are manifold, and this commandment is broad. (Hom. in Matt. xv.)
462. Which are the corporal works of mercy t
1. To feed the hungry.
2. To give drink to the thirsty.
3. To clothe the naked, or such as have not necessary and decent clothing.
4. To visit them that are in prison.
5. To visit the sick, minister to them, and forward their recovery, or aid them to a Christian preparation for death.
6. To show hospitality to strangers.
7. To bury them that have died in poverty.
463. Which are the spiritual works of mercy?
1. By exhortation to convert the sinner from the error of his way. James v. 20.
2. To instruct the ignorant in truth and virtue.
3. To give our neighbor good and seasonable advice in difficulty, or in any danger of which he is unaware.
4. To pray for others to God.
5. To comfort the afflicted.
6. Not to return the evil which others may have done us.
7. To forgive injuries from our heart.
464. Is it not contrary to the precept of mercy for civil justice to punish criminals?
Not in the least; if this be done as of duty, and with a good intent, that is, in order to correct them, or to preserve the innocent from their crimes.
465. What does the Lord promise to the merciful?
That they shall obtain mercy.
466. What mercy is here to be understood?
That of being delivered from everlasting condemnation for sin at God's Judgment.
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