One of the spiritual works of mercy is to “pray for the living and the dead.” We usually remember that we should pray for the living, because they are around us, seen by us, and their needs are often apparent to our eyes. But do we remember to pray for the dead, for the souls […]
Reflections on Grief, following the death of my father
On October 8th of this year, I lost my father (Walter Eugene Cameron) to lung cancer. It was the second great grief of my life, the first being the death of my brother, Matthew, to lung cancer four years ago. Granted, I have felt grief at other deaths both before Matthew’s passing, and since then, […]
Corporal Works of Mercy: To Bury the Dead
In the Old Testament Book of Tobit, the virtuous Tobit interrupts his dinner to go out to bury one of his Jewish countrymen who had been murdered, and his body had been left in the street. This act of burying the dead, especially those who have no one who will bury them, is a prime […]
Spiritual Works of Mercy: Forgive All Injuries
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” These powerful words from our Savior should make every Christian think twice: Do I forgive injuries? Have I forgiven those who have hurt or offended me or one of my loved ones? Or do I hold on to old hatreds and grudges? The sixth Spiritual […]
Corporal Works of Mercy: Visit the Sick
One of the very important Corporal Works of Mercy is to Visit the Sick. How many people are suffering from various illnesses, from cancer, or from accidents today! Many people who are ill suffer from loneliness as well. There are many elderly persons whose families live far away from them. Others have family in the […]