Visit the Imprisoned

The Corporal Works of Mercy are kind acts by which we help our neighbors with their everyday material and physical needs. Visiting the imprisoned is the next Corporal Works of Mercy I’m reflecting on.

“Come, you are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was … in prison and you visited me.” Matthew 25: 34, 36. With these words Jesus calls us to concern for the imprisoned. The imprisoned include those incarcerated for crimes committed. However, many others are imprisoned by their addictions, out-of-control appetites or as victims of abuse by family members or others. If Jesus wants us to attend to them, what can we do? Consider the following:

· Join a group that visits a Jackson prison every other Saturday morning to lead prayer services. Parishioner, Dan Lundquist can give you details.(627– 7206)
· Volunteer for the Diocesan sponsored New Life Program that provides after care for recently released prisoners. (342-2495)
· Call the Diocesan Office of Restorative Justice (342-2455) and volunteer for its Prisoner Pen Pal Program.
· Support programs that provide Christmas gifts for prisoners and their families.
· Pray for the families of inmates.
· Assist someone imprisoned in fear because of current or past abuse and encourage them to get help.
· Encourage someone who is paralyzed by fear and guilt because of a past abortion to contact her/his parish for guidance and help.
· Join Pope Francis in working and praying for an end to the death penalty.

Our works of mercy grow out of our appreciation of the bounty God has given us. May we be as generous in assisting those imprisoned as God has been in setting us free from our sins.