COMFORT THE SORROWFUL
- Be a listening ear for someone who is grieving or going through a hard time
- Provide some love-in-action: if applicable, refer them to Karidat for practical support, counseling, etc.
COUNSEL THE DOUBTFUL
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life and we can rely on Him to keep His promises.
- Feed the hungry, visit prisoners: Live your life in such a way as to give witness to God’s love, mercy and saving power.
- Encourage others to spend time in prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Benedict XVI reminded us that such time is “never wasted”!
- Invite a doubting friend to spend time in service or to join a faith formation group to strengthen their faith in God.
INSTRUCT THE IGNORANT
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher/messenger? (Romans 10:14)
- Invite a friend to Mass
- Study up on your faith: read portions of the Catechism, or look online at USCCB resources
ADMONISH THE SINNER
- Recognizing that all of us have weaknesses and failings, it is still appropriate to gently correct others with the purpose of leading them to God’s mercy
- Visit the Sacrament of Confession; invite others to go with you
PRAY FOR THE LIVING AND THE DEAD
- What we can accomplish for others is small in comparison for what God can do! Pray, pray, pray.
- Use traditional prayers and devotions the Church provides as “tools” in order to pray for others: Divine Mercy Chaplet, Rosary, etc.
FORGIVE INJURIES
- Unless we love as God loves, and forgives as the Lord forgives, we will not enjoy all the riches of the life of grace. But we cannot do it alone: pray for the grace to forgive and then offer forgiveness as freely as God does.
- Visit the Sacrament of Confession
BEAR WRONGS PATIENTLY
“He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)
- When frustrated with someone, take a few breaths and say a few prayers (Our Father, Hail Mary), asking for help. Repeat as needed. Step away from the situation as long as you need to in order to come to a peaceful resolution.
Do not give into brooding over wrongs; replace dark thoughts with a desire to “think with Christ.” When you find you do not have that desire: pray for it to be given to you!
