The Work of Mercy: Comfort the Afflicted

At times this work of mercy is also referred to as “Comfort the Sorrowful”.  In either form, the key word is “comfort”.  The word’s Latin origin literally means cum (with) + fortis (strong, or strength). Thus, to comfort people, means to strengthen them.  A person who is afflicted may experience an overwhelming physical, emotional, or spiritual suffering, grief, despair or brokenness.  Being struck down, weakened, ridiculed, or heavily burdened by one’s past or current life situation also results in affliction and sorrow.    

Comforting the sorrowful and afflicted people in our life often involves a kind of silent and understanding accompaniment more so than words or actions. We are called to be a “Christ-like” presence to those in need, to stand with and suffer with others through the strength of Christ. To listen and give understanding attention often provides the greatest value.  In a more active way, this work of mercy may involve restoring interior strength to people, to enable them to persevere, to summon their courage that strongly resists evil spirit of despair and those who would seek to render them weak or ineffective.

Comforting the afflicted can makes us uncomfortable. We don’t want to hear about suffering, because it reminds us of our own suffering. Yet, performing this work of mercy is exactly what we need. In a very real way, “comforting the afflicted” has spiritual benefits for both parties. Not only does the afflicted person feel “heard,” but also the person listening becomes an image of Christ, who bore all of our sufferings on the wood of the cross.

Guest Blogger: Fr. Dave Fleming, Pastor St. Pius X