Corporal, spiritual actions offer a pathway to holiness for mothers and their children
By Gabrielle Nolan
During the month of May we celebrate mothers of all kinds: biological mothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and all the women in our lives who have given of themselves in a motherly way, such as teachers, mentors, aunts, sisters, and best friends.
As a first-time mother myself (I have a 7-month-old son at the time of publishing), I have a new perspective on the intricacies of motherhood, self-giving, and unconditional love. Mothers make endless sacrifices for their children, and there is almost no better comparison to motherhood than the Catholic Church’s corporal and spiritual works of mercy.
In paragraph 2447 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the works of mercy are described as “charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities.” There are seven corporal works of mercy and seven spiritual works of mercy. When mothers take on these works with a spirit of love and generosity, it is surely a pathway to holiness.
Corporal works of mercy
1. and 2. Feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty
“Mom, can I have another snack?” Kids seem to be endless vacuums of food, don’t they? How often throughout the day are mothers feeding their children and giving them something to drink? It’s a constant and basic need for growth, nourishment, and survival. Even in God’s great biological design of women’s bodies, many women are able to nurse their children at birth.
3. Shelter the homeless
Providing a safe, clean, and happy home allows a child to grow both in maturity and in creativity. Mothers not only provide a physical home and room for their children, but their feminine hearts shelter their children, too. Our children’s desires, dreams, fears, and needs take up special room in our motherly hearts.
4. Visit the sick
My infant son recently had his first fever. I was not overly worried because his overall demeanor was fairly normal, but the fact that he had a fever still tugged on my heart. Thankfully, there are infant Tylenol and lots of cuddles to help!
Caring for our sick children places their needs above our own and helps us grow in selflessness. For mothers whose sick children require hospitalization or surgery, visiting the sick takes on a very literal and tender meaning.
5. Visit the prisoners
There are undoubtedly mothers out there who know the pain of having a child in prison. Let us pray for the strength of those mothers to endure that hardship! However, not all prisons are physical, brick-and-mortar cells. What emotional, mental, or spiritual “prisons” might children be facing that mothers are there to help with? Whether it be depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, or bullying, mothers are there to visit with their children and help them as best they can.
6. Give alms to the poor
Mothers surely know the constancy of spending money on diapers, formula, new clothes, toys, school supplies, medications, and other necessities for their children. And don’t forget the fun gifts on birthdays and holidays! Aside from spending money on our children, it is also a blessing to teach our children how to give alms to the poor. Practically, this could look like an annual clean-out of old toys, clothes, and baby furniture that children can learn to donate to charity.
7. Bury the dead
Mothers can be a consoling presence to their children when they experience death for the first time, such as when a grandparent passes, or even a beloved family pet. Children often have many questions about death, and mothers can reassure them with the Church’s teachings. And of course, let us not forget the mothers who firsthand have known the deep sorrow of burying their babies—whether experiencing the loss of miscarriage, an infant death, or an older child who has died due to illness or an accident. Our Lady of Sorrows surely meets these mothers in the mercy of burying their deceased loved ones.
Spiritual Works of Mercy
1. Instructing the ignorant
In paragraph 1656 of the Catechism, it states that “believing families are of primary importance as centers of living, radiant faith… the Second Vatican Council, using an ancient expression, calls the family the Ecclesia domestica.” Mothers and fathers are the primary teachers of their child, especially when it comes to the religion they are passing down within their “domestic church” at home. Thankfully, today there are so many Catholic resources to help mothers within their homes to educate their children in the Catholic faith!
2. Admonishing the sinner
Mothers can mirror the merciful Father in how they admonish their children after they sin, which is an inevitable part of our human experience. When siblings fight, or a child won’t listen to instructions, a mother’s correction can be an example of God’s duality of justice and mercy. A mother can exemplify humility and forgiveness by going to the sacrament of reconciliation and taking her children with her to experience that sacrament for themselves.
3. Counseling the doubtful
Children, especially as they grow older, have myriad decisions to make. What college should I attend? Should I date this person? How can I use my talents? Mothers are able to combine their years of wisdom with the intimate knowledge they have of their children to help them discern decisions, big and small. When a child experiences doubt, the love of a mother can help guide that child toward prayer and following God’s will.
4. Comforting the sorrowful
Similarly, a mother’s heart is often a balm to a sorrowful child. Whether experiencing a lost toy, a missing pet, a first break-up, or a job rejection, mothers are there to help ease the pain, even if they cannot solve the problem completely. A mother’s receptivity to her child’s emotions can create a safe space for tears to flow and hearts to mend.
5. and 6. Forgiving injuries and bearing wrongs patiently
Certainly, there are times when a mother and child will not get along, have different viewpoints, or hurt each other’s feelings. As the parent, the mother has a special privilege to show her children how to forgive when injuries occur, initiating reconciliation and connection. While bearing wrongs patiently is easier said than done, the example does provide a Christ-like witness to children they will hopefully one day imitate themselves.
7. Praying for the living and the dead
Mothers can be a primary example of showing their children what it looks like to commit to daily prayer, whether that be through a family rosary or private devotional prayer.
Practically, praying for the living can include praying for individual family members during night-time prayers or praying a novena in preparation for a sibling’s namesake feast day. Praying for the dead could include going to Mass as a family on All Souls’ Day or visiting the cemetery on the death anniversary of a loved one.
If you’re a mother, I encourage you to meditate upon these 14 works of mercy and discern where God may be calling you to enter in more deeply.
In chapter 25 of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells us that “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is our perfect example of motherhood and the works of mercy, intercede for all mothers during the month we celebrate them.
Happy Mother’s Day!