Spiritual work of mercy: 'Instruct the ignorant'

Instruction not simply sharing knowledge, but transforming a heart, mind

Published: June 9, 2016

By Daniel S. Mulhall
Catholic News Service

CNS / Gregory A. Shemitz

John Lundy, a member of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, works one-on-one with Berta Alvarez, an immigrant from Honduras, while leading a class in English as a second language June 2, 2014, at Mercy Center in New York.

CNS / Gregory A. Shemitz

The spiritual work of mercy “to instruct the ignorant” is solidly grounded in the New Testament. The foundation for this teaching is found in Matthew 28: 19-20 when Jesus sent his disciples out to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

This command flows directly from Jesus’ life and ministry. For Jesus was known as a rabbi — one who taught people how to follow the Jewish faith. Throughout the New Testament there are numerous passages where Jesus taught the disciples or the crowds of people that followed him.

Consider the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 or his many parables. Jesus was known as a teacher, so it is no surprise that Jesus wanted his disciples to teach others.

This work of mercy is the reason why Catholics have invested so much time and energy in starting, staffing and supporting Catholic educational institutions from early childhood to the university levels. By providing educational opportunities in schools and parishes, we are following Jesus’ example.

But the meaning of “instructing the ignorant” goes deeper than simply teaching one to know math or science or even religion. At the heart of this work is the understanding that education is transformational.

Education is more about changing hearts and minds and forming a person’s character than it is about the sharing of information and knowledge. While sharing knowledge and teaching people how to think are critical, this work of mercy begs for something more.

To understand this, consider first this passage from Luke 2:52: “And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man.” This verse, which comes after the scene of Jesus teaching the elders in the temple, makes the point that growing in wisdom and favor are key developmental steps in one’s formation.

This passage from Luke is very similar to the passages about the young prophet, Samuel, which appear in 1 Samuel 2:21 and 3:19: “Young Samuel grew up in the service of the Lord” and “the Lord was with him.”

Consider also the passage from 2 Peter 3:17-18: “Therefore, beloved, since you are forewarned, be on your guard not to be led into the error of the unprincipled and to fall from your own stability. But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.”

Here the writer points out that the key point of instructing the ignorant is to help them to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord.”

During this Year of Mercy, look for ways that you can support Catholic education in some way. Pray for teachers and catechists. Make a donation to support Catholic schools or religious education.

But also look for ways to share your faith and understanding of the Gospel with those who do not understand. Do not be afraid to change someone’s life.

Click for the Holy Year of Mercy index