The Works of Mercy introduces readers to the seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy, inviting readers to explore mercy in our everyday lives. James Keenan defines mercy as "the willingness to enter into the chaos of another," and it is one of the central elements of the Christian faith. Over the centuries Christians have defined themselves by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and caring for the sick. The book explores the traditional works of mercy and also looks at how mercy enters into ordinary life, in the way we care for our families and the way we care for ourselves. The third edition features more inclusive language to resonate with readers of all backgrounds, new case studies and examples-from health care to the prison system, and new material on how Pope Francis and his papacy reflect mercy.

Chapter One: Mercy Distinguishes Christian MoralityPart I: The Corporal Works of MercyChapter Two: The Corporal Works of MercyChapter Three: Visit the PrisonerChapter Four: Shelter the HomelessChapter Five: Feed the HungryChapter Six: Give Drink to the ThirstyChapter Seven: Bury the DeadChapter Eight: Visit the SickChapter Nine: Clothe the NakedPart II: A Meditation on Mercy in Light of September 11, 2001Chapter Ten: Amazing GracePart III: The Spiritual Works of MercyChapter Eleven: The Spiritual Works of MercyChapter Twelve: A Reconciling SpiritChapter Thirteen: Being VigilantChapter Fourteen: PrayerPart IV: A Meditation on Pope Francis' Jubilee Year of MercyChapter Fifteen: Role Reversals and the Scandal of MercyPart V: Mercy and the Eucharistic LiturgyChapter Sixteen: The Entrance RiteChapter Seventeen: The Liturgy of the WordChapter Eighteen: The Liturgy of the EucharistChapter Nineteen: CommunionPart VI: A Meditation on HIV/AIDS in a World in Need of MercyChapter Twenty: HIV/AIDS in a World in Need of MercyPart VII: Mercy and Ordinary LifeChapter Twenty-One: Entering into My Own ChaosChapter Twenty-Two: Entering the Chaos of Family LifeChapter Twenty-Three: Entering the Chaos of the WorldPart VIII: A Meditation on Abraham Lincoln's Proclamation of Thanksgiving DayChapter Twenty-Four: Thanksgiving for Tender Mercies