“The family is the first essential cell of all humanity.”–Pope Francis

“In my little way there are only very ordinary things.”–Saint Terese of Lisieux

Review and Comments

The Corporal Works of Mommy and Daddy was a blessing for this young  stay-at-home mother of two (soon to be three).   With such young kids so close together, and with days when I often feel I do the same thing over and over again, it was relieving to read that I, too, can work for the glory of God in this Year of Mercy.

The corporal works of mercy were concepts I was taught in the third grade.  (My mother was my teacher and I remember learning them well.)  As an adult, I often think about how I should be doing more…how these corporal works should be the forefront of my life.  Then, Dr. Greg and Lisa Popcak wrote this wonderful book reminding us all that we can all live these works every day in our own families.  And what better way to teach our children the love and mercy of Christ?   When they see us live this way every day, they are learning as well.

Each chapter of the book focuses on a different work of mercy.  It delves deeply into each one and talks about how we can live them out with our children and spouses and then teach our families to use these skills to reach out to the rest of the world.   It reiterates what our church teaches; the family is the small church.  We must minister to the world.

I loved the ideas that each chapter presented.  Some were obvious, while others made me think.  A lot has to do with the attitude in which we serve our families.  It helps that the book reminds me of such little things, especially when I am feeling particularly tired or frustrated with my day.

I plan to reread this book regularly as a reminder to me that every little thing we do has the potential to bring others to God, even something as simple as getting a glass of water for a child in the middle of the night.

Further Involvement:

• Read more about the Year of Mercy from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
• Learn more about the Year of Mercy Logo.
• Read more about the authors.  Follow them at More 2 Life on Facebook for some great discussion questions about the book.