The seven corporal works of mercy (the practices of charity towards our neighbor) are;
CORPORAL WORKS & ACTIVITIES OF THE LEGION OF SAINT MICHAEL
The Legion of Saint Michael stands four-square by the maxim “faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead” (James 2:17). Inspired by the ceaseless action of the Archangel himself – in casting down the Adversary, in contending with him over the body of Moses, in fighting the battle of faith – we realize that corporal (physical) action is needed in addition to the spiritual.
The seven corporal works of mercy (the practices of charity towards our neighbor) are;
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit those in prison
Bury the dead
As faithful members of the Body of Christ, inspired by His actions and words, and those of His Angels and Saints, members of the Legion of Saint Michael are expected to undertake as many of these corporal works of mercy as time, resources and skills will allow.
Consider that you are blessed – this information is being read on a computer screen (less than 1% of the world's population is rich enough to own a computer, and few even have electricity). You are reading this in English – which suggests you are living in a country where you are not persecuted for your faith, unlike the majority of Christians. Do you have food in the pantry or fridge, change in your pocket, and a roof over your head? Do you know where your next meal is coming from?
If you can answer “yes” to all of these questions, you have been blessed with good things by the Lord. God has taken care of your physical needs – and He has done so in order that you may assist those who are not so fortunate.
As the strong of body defend those who cannot fight, so should we help those in need – through our own actions or by adding our resources to the efforts of Catholic charities. Members of the Legion are also expected, as all Catholics are, to support the Church through time, talent or treasure faithfully and joyfully.
Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ’Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ’Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink?’ And the king will answer them, ’Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:34-40)
The corporal works of mercy are orientated towards the body. The spiritual works of mercy are orientated towards the soul.