Saints LightHow Can I Love Others Like Jesus?
Jesus asks us to love others the way He loves us, and the works of mercy show us how, because whatever we do for others we do for Him.
At the Last Supper, Jesus gave His friends a new commandment: love one another as I have loved you. That means loving the way Jesus loves, generously and even when it is hard (CCC 1822-1823).
Jesus told a story about the end of time. The King says to the good people: I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. They were surprised and asked when they had done that. The King answered: whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me. When we help anyone, we are helping Jesus!
The Church calls these acts of love the works of mercy (CCC 2447). The corporal works of mercy care for people's bodies: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger and the homeless, visit the sick, visit those in prison, and bury the dead.
The spiritual works of mercy care for people's hearts and souls: teach those who do not know, give good advice to those who are unsure, gently help people turn from what is wrong, comfort the sad, forgive those who hurt us, be patient with others, and pray for the living and the dead.
You do not have to be grown up to do these. Bring canned food to the parish food drive. Make a card for a grandparent who is sick. Sit with the new kid at lunch. Forgive your brother. Every little act of mercy is love given to Jesus Himself (CCC 2443).
Key points
- Jesus commands us to love one another as He loves us.
- The works of mercy care for bodies and souls.
- When we help anyone, we help Jesus.
The Word of God
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.
Catechism paragraphs for this lesson
- CCC 1822-1823
- CCC 2443
- CCC 2447
CCC means the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Saints Light teaches it in its own words and never quotes it. Look up any paragraph in a printed copy or at vatican.va. See every lesson by paragraph in the Catechism index.
Live it this week
As a family, choose one corporal and one spiritual work of mercy to do this week, like collecting clothes for a shelter and praying for someone who has died. Talk together about how it felt.
Check yourself: three questions
1. What new commandment did Jesus give?
- Pray ten times a day
- Never feel angry
- Only love your friends
- Love one another as I have loved you
Show the answer
Love one another as I have loved you. At the Last Supper Jesus said: love one another as I have loved you.
2. When we help someone in need, who are we helping?
- Only ourselves
- Jesus Himself
- Nobody important
- Only the person in front of us
Show the answer
Jesus Himself. Jesus said: whatever you did for the least of my brothers, you did for me.
3. Which of these is a spiritual work of mercy?
- Feeding the hungry
- Visiting the sick
- Forgiving someone who hurt you
- Giving clothes to the poor
Show the answer
Forgiving someone who hurt you. Forgiving cares for the heart and soul, so it is a spiritual work of mercy. The others care for the body.
Words to know
- Works of mercy
- Acts of love that care for people's bodies (corporal) and their hearts and souls (spiritual).
More terms in the Catholic glossary. More passages in the Scripture index.
For catechists: a one hour class plan
Goal. The children will know the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and that serving others is serving Jesus, and will do a real act of mercy together.
Opener. Ask: "Tell about a time someone was really kind to you when you needed it. How did it feel?" Then: "Jesus says that when we are kind like that, we are being kind to Him."
Discussion questions
- Why were the people in Jesus' story surprised? [They did not know they were helping Jesus. We often don't see Him in others.]
- What is the difference between corporal and spiritual works of mercy? [Body and soul. Both matter.]
- Which work of mercy can a child do this week? [Many: sharing food, visiting grandparents, comforting, forgiving, praying.]
- Is it hard to be kind to someone who is not kind to you? [Yes. Jesus loved even His enemies and helps us do the same.]
Activity. Mercy in action: as a group, do a real work of mercy. Choose one: decorate get-well cards for parishioners who are homebound, pack simple care bags (socks, a snack, a prayer card) for a local shelter, or write thank-you notes to parish volunteers. While the children work, read Matthew 25:31-40 aloud. Check with your parish office about where to deliver them.
Closing prayer. Jesus, help us see You in everyone we meet, especially people who are hungry, lonely, sick or sad. Give us hearts that love like Yours. Amen.
Timing. Welcome and Sign of the Cross 5 min, kindness opener 5 min, read the lesson aloud 10 min, discussion 10 min, mercy project 15 min, memory verse 5 min, quiz together 5 min, closing prayer 5 min.
Related lessons
- The Seventh Commandment: Do Not Steal (The Commandments)
- Faith, Hope and Charity (Grace and Virtue)
- The Works of Mercy (Grace and Virtue)
- What Is the Preferential Option for the Poor? (Social Teaching)
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