James Club Recovery Foundation understands the importance of living a life of service. Our members at James Club Recovery are instructed to practice the 12 steps and have a God of their own understanding. We encourage our members to believe and practice whatever spiritual beliefs they are comfortable with. For the purposes of this post, we are going to speak on teachings from the Christian and Catholic faith. In the Bible, the Book of Matthew 25:31-46, there is the teachings of the “7 Corporal Works of Mercy“. These teachings are universal regardless of your faith and thus we believe these lessons can be utilized to provide blessings in your life and others.

The 7 Corporal Acts of Mercy

Feed the Hungry (1) and Give Drink to the Thirsty (2)

What does this mean? It can mean different things to different people, but the general assumption is the same. If you can provide a person with food, enough for sustenance, then you are bearing witness of this corporal work. An example is a man that works 9-5, five days a week, for his family. They barely make it by with the money he makes, but he is able to make sure his family eats. This man is practicing this corporal work of mercy. Another example is a person that spends his time volunteering at the soup kitchen and providing food to the homeless. There are also living beings which are not human. Examples include stray cats, indoor pets, animals on the outside. Having compassion enough for these living creatures to provide for their survival is another act of a corporal work. A way to practice this with animals is to volunteer at an animal shelter.

Clothe the Naked (3) and Shelter the Homeless (4)

Such as feeding the hungry and giving drink to the thirsty, this act of mercy shows compassion for another human being’s comfort and survival. Many people in situations such as these have stumbled upon a hard time, one where life has thrown roadblocks and curves in their life. One may not acknowledge this, instead tell themselves, “Wow, look at this homeless person, can’t he clean himself up and get his act together”. It is important to refrain from judging. Every person has a reason for being in a situation they are in. To be in a position where you can look down and judge someone is telling yourself that you know why they are like that. When the truth is, no one knows, only God. Rather than judging, look at these people from eyes of mercy. Provide them clothing and shelter. Show them humanity in a place where many have abandoned it.

Visit the Sick (5) and the Imprisoned (6)

This corporal work of mercy is an important one. Many of people in scenarios as these are in despair. It is important to provide your love to these individuals. There is immense joy in being there for an individual who is down on their luck. This Corporal Work of Mercy will provide countless blessings in your life to where you wouldn’t believe. You are helping God’s children. When you do that, God helps you.

Bury the Dead (7)

When the time comes, this Corporal Work of Mercy is important. Providing your final respect for a human being is an act of mercy that heals your soul and instills peace in your heart. Paying your tributes by attending a funeral, praying for a lost one, or visiting their grave is practicing this Corporal Work of Mercy. In the Catholic faith, this Corporal Work of Mercy serves witness to the hope of resurrection.

How Can Practicing the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy Help in Your Recovery?

Recovery is about forming a relationship with a God of your understanding. In religious and ethical teachings alike, Godly practices encourage acts of mercy. When you are engaging in these acts of mercy, you are practicing the twelve steps. The first step is about admitting your powerlessness and unmanageability to your addiction. The remaining 11 steps are relating to building a deeper relationship with God. In practicing these steps, you are practicing principles relating to a higher power, one rooted in service to mankind. If you practice the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy religiously then it will be life changing. Stay tuned because we are going to talk about the 7 Spiritual works of Mercy in our next blog!

How do we Practice the 7 Corporal Works of Mercy at James Club Recovery?

Our members at James Club Recovery practice the Corporal Works of Mercy in different ways. We like to visit the soup kitchens and do service in the community. Our founder, Ray Rapaglia used to spend his time in the hospital speaking to people who were unwell. He also makes visits to our brothers and sisters in the Broward County Jails, leaving them with a message of inspiration and hope. Our members also partake in community service, helping clean our Broward County streets or working with the Church and Food Kitchens. Below we have images of James Club practicing the Corporal Works of Mercy.