Mercy Monday with Corporal Works of Mercy: #1 Shelter the homeless

#MercyMonday - Shelter the homeless

Communications • Mon, Oct 3 2016

• #MercyMonday - Shelter the homeless

The Scriptural basis for the Corporal Works of Mercy is the parable in the Gospel of Matthew in which Jesus teaches his disciples about God's criteria for the Last Judgment (cf. Mt. 25:35-42). In this parable, the just and the unjust discover that in their merciful actions on behalf of the neighbor they have been merciful to the Lord Jesus, who identifies completely with the hungry, homeless, sick, imprisoned and even the dead. God, who is rich in mercy, invites His sons and daughters to imitate his abundant mercy and loving kindness towards His children.
God is rich in mercy, because of his great love for us, he brought us to life with Christ when we were dead in sin.  By this favor you were saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5)
Today we begin sharing the Corporal Works of Mercy through the #MercyMonday series:

Corporal Works of Mercy

· Shelter the homeless

· Give drink to the thirsty

· Care for the sick

· Visit the imprisoned

· Bury the dead

· Clothe the naked/give alms to the poor

· Feed the hungry

Shelter the homeless
There are many circumstances that could lead to someone becoming a person without a home.  Christ encourages us to go out and meet those without homes, affirming their worth and helping them seek a resolution to the challenges they face.

• See if your parish or diocese is involved with a local homeless shelter and volunteer some time.
• Donate time or money to organizations that build homes for those who need shelter.
• Many homeless shelters need warm blankets for their beds. If you can knit or sew that would be an extra loving gift.
• There are millions of children and families who are on the move, fleeing from war, illness, hunger and impossible living conditions, and searching for peace and safety. Engage parish groups of children, youth, young adults, and families in doing some research on the causes and challenges that these families face to survive. Contact Catholic Charities, or diocesan offices of peace and justice for help with your research. Seek ways to provide shelter for the homeless locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.
• advocate for public policies and legislation that provide housing for low-income people;
• consider becoming a foster parent.