The Sixth Spiritual Work of Mercy

Comfort the
Afflicted

The Catholic call to console those suffering grief, loss, or spiritual anguish

Young man talks to a priest in a church, seeking guidance and support. The priest listens attentively, holding rosary beads. The scene conveys faith, hope, and understanding in a place of worship

Complete History: Comfort the Afflicted

Definition

To comfort the afflicted is to console those suffering physical, emotional, or spiritual pain. St. Paul: "Blessed be the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction" (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). The CCC teaches we must "come to the aid of our neighbor" (CCC 2447).

Biblical & Historical Foundations

Scripture

Job's friends comforted in silence (Job 2:13). Isaiah 61:1-2: "Comfort all who mourn." Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are those who mourn, they shall be comforted." Romans 12:15: "Weep with those who weep."

Church History

Early Church: Deacons visited sick. St. Vincent de Paul (17th c.): Daughters of Charity comforted suffering. St. Mother Teresa (20th c.): Comforted dying. Modern hospice rooted in Catholic care.

Practice Today

Who

  • • The grieving
  • • Sick & dying
  • • The lonely
  • • The anxious
  • • The despairing

How

  • • Be present
  • • Listen actively
  • • Pray with them
  • • Practical help
  • • Point to Christ

Avoid

  • • Pat answers
  • • Minimizing pain
  • • Self-focus
  • • Abandonment
African psychologist hold hands of girl patient, close up. Teenage overcome break up, unrequited love. Abortion decision. Psychological therapy, survive personal crisis, individual counselling concept

Conclusion

To comfort the afflicted is to be Christ's compassionate presence to suffering souls. The Incarnation reveals God entered human suffering to redeem and console us. Catholics fulfill this by visiting the sick, consoling the grieving, listening to the troubled, offering hope rooted in the Resurrection. St. Paul teaches our sufferings equip us to comfort others (2 Cor 1:4). Comfort doesn't eliminate pain but walks with the afflicted, pointing to Christ who conquered death and offers eternal consolation.