The corporal list I could live with but the spiritual list is something else.To instruct the ignorant and to admonish sinners does not sit well with me.

I would certainly hope that when visiting the sick, one would also be comforting the afflicted.  "Visiting the sick" for some other purpose wouldn't really be merciful, would it?

The naked might not want to be clothed.  What then?

Ninjafaery:

The naked might not want to be clothed.  What then?

Perhaps they would accept a leaf.......but I was just thinking how would it stay on..... We always see pics. of Adam and Eve wearing a leaf.  Really, they sewed fig leaves together and made aprons. That's something I didn't know  .

P.S. Someone growing figs says fig leaves are quite scratchy so we better make it a maple leaf.

I can  remember as a kid giggling over the thought of Adam and Eve wearing aprons -- the kind with the bow in the back.  Maybe Adam's was a manly bbq apron.

ninjafaery

 Too cute!

Sorry CH.  I'll be good now....

LOL

What in the world could be wrong with helping those who are ignorant gain knowledge?

Admonish: verb, to remind one of their duties, or correct and instruct, usually in a gentle manner.

Given the amount of not-so-gentle remdinders to corporations, religious figures and governments that we seem to relish delivering, I don't see any problem with admonishing the sinful (which would include ourselves) being in the list.

Thanks nighthawk for that. I wasn't even thinking of this. i thought it meant admonishing folk for their personal sins. As if i could.

There's a "northwind" on here?

Anyway, why do doubtful people need to be counselled?  Shouldn't someone who's doubting be encouraged to seek, rather than "counselled" (presumably counselled against doubt)?  How is that merciful?

Sorry NightHawk for calling you NorthWind. That is all we are having in Saskatchewan these days and its on my mind. thank you again for your post.

The word "admonishment "  carries some baggage, but what if it's about keeping each other honest by mutual agreement?

For example:

I have shared my weakness for gossip with you and made it clear I don't want to participate and enlist your help to stop it. 

It would be acceptable admonishment for you to call me on it if you catch me doing it, since I've asked for this beforehand. 

Unsolicited "correction" is another matter altogether unless you're my employer or parent.

This is how I understand the spiritual works of mercy.  I don't think it's about going around and instructing people, proselytizing, or criticizing.  It's about a community who agrees to hold one another accountable by mutual consent. 

That's how I read it.