Visiting the prisoners: the meaning of the sixth Work of Mercy

The Works of Mercy through the eyes of a biblical scholar

Reflections on the Works of Mercy continue, supported by the biblical scholar Carlo Miglietta, in preparation for the meeting that will begin in a few days in Lucca. It will bring together friends and volunteers not only from Italy but also from Africa and Asia, with whom practical tools for the dissemination of the works will be developed.

The sixth corporal Work of Mercy is “visiting the prisoners”

The biblical scholar points out that whoever performs this work is similar to:

• God, who “does not despise his captive people” (Ps 69:33), “leads out the prisoners with singing” (Ps 68:6), “sets prisoners free” (Ps 146:7), “restored the fortunes of Zion” (Ps 126:1), “bring my soul out of prison” (Ps 142:7). Peter “described how the Lord had brought him out of prison” (Acts 12:17).
• Jesus, who came “to proclaim freedom for the prisoners… to set the oppressed free” (Lk 4:18; cf. Is 61:1; 42:7; 49:9): “This is why it says: «When he ascended on high, he took many captives»” (Eph 4:8; cf. Ps 68:18).
• The good Samaritans who, in the time of Ahaz, king of Judah, “provided for the captives; they clothed all who were naked from the plunder, gave them clothes and sandals, food and drink, and healing balm. All those who were weak they put on donkeys and brought them to their fellow Israelites at Jericho, the City of Palms, and then returned to Samaria” (2 Chr 28:15).

The biblical scholar also reminds us that whoever visits prisoners listens to the Word of God

Here are a few excerpts:

• “You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions” (Heb 10:34).
• “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering” (Heb 13:3).

At the conclusion of this work, the biblical scholar leaves us with a provocation, an inquiry: do we know how to be “fishers of men” (Mk 1:17), recognizing those who care for prisoners and announcing to them the beatitude of Mercy that states “Blessed are the merciful” (Mt 5:7)?

The Works belong to everyone, in everyone, and for everyone

The Works belong to everyone, in everyone, and for everyone. spazio + spadoni is committed to expressing forcefully the deep meaning contained in this thought, so that every ear may hear and translate it into mindful action.

Universalizing the Works also means cooperating in the proclamation of the Good News through the tangible reality of love in the many countries around the world where spazio + spadoni already operates and where it has not yet arrived. But not only that! Also in the many peripheries of a society crying out for dignity, love, connection, and forgiveness.

Photo by Ranjit Pradhan su Unsplash

Source: Carlo Miglietta – The Works of Mercy