Virtues and Works of Mercy
As a part of Joseph Dutton’s conversion to the Catholic faith, he recognized a need to atone for his past sins. Joseph Dutton devoted the final 44 years of his life to being a virtuous person who practiced many works of mercy living on the island of Molokai, Hawaii.
Virtues
A virtue is a trait or quality that is deemed to be morally good and thus is valued as a foundation of principle and good moral being. In other words, it is a behavior that shows high moral standards: doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong.
Works of Mercy
Are practices considered meritorious in Christian ethics. The practice is popular in the Catholic Church as an act of both penance and charity. Works of mercy are a means of grace which lead to holiness and aid in sanctification.
are found in the teachings of Jesus and give us a model for how we should treat all others, as if they were Christ in disguise.
-
To feed the hungry.
-
To give water to the thirsty.
-
To clothe the naked.
-
To shelter the homeless.
-
To visit the sick.
-
To visit the imprisoned or ransom the captive.
-
To bury the dead.
inspired by the life of Jesus and the spiritual instructions he gave his disciples.
-
Admonish the sinner. (Give correction to those who need it.)
-
Instruct the ignorant. (Share our knowledge with others.)
-
Counsel the doubtful. (Give advice to those who need it.)
-
Comfort the sorrowful. ...
-
Bear wrongs patiently. ...
-
Forgive all injuries. ...
-
Pray for the living and the dead.