Works of Mercy

James F. Keenan, S.J., presently holds the Gasson Chair in the Theology Department at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. His recent books with Sheed & Ward include Practice What You Preach, Virtues for Ordinary Christians, and Moral Wisdom.

• Part 1 IntroductionChapter 2 Mercy distinguishes Catholic moralityPart 3 The Corporal Works of MercyChapter 4 The Corporal Works of MercyChapter 5 Visit the PrisonerChapter 6 Shelter the HomelessChapter 7 Feed the HungryChapter 8 Give Drink to the ThirstyChapter 9 Bury the DeadChapter 10 Visit the SickChapter 11 Clothe the NakedPart 12 Meditation on Mercy in the Light of September 11, 2001Chapter 13 Burying the DeadPart 14 The Spiritual Works of MercyChapter 15 The Spiritual Works of MercyChapter 16 A Reconciling SpiritChapter 17 Being VigilantChapter 18 PrayerPart 19 Meditation on Priesthood in Light of the Church's ScandalsChapter 20 Being a Minister of MercyPart 21 Mercy and the Eucharistic LiturgyChapter 22 The Entrance RiteChapter 23 The Liturgy of the WordChapter 24 The Liturgy of the EucharistChapter 25 Communion

In a world starved for compassion and kindness, Father Keenan's book, The Works of Mercy, brings a sense of expectation and hope for a better future. By describing how the Catholic tradition has honored the command of the Gospel to practice the works of mercy, and also how contemporary Christians continue to fulfill Christ's command to love one another, Father Keenan invites the reader to go and do likewise. Written in a style that is both profound and practical, the book, rich in its use of Scripture, is ideal for theological reflection on both the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. In a world filled with suffering, the whole Church can benefit from focusing on these words, whether an RCIA group, an adult education class, a small faith sharing group, or a class preparing for confirmation.