The Works of Mercy

James F. Keenan, SJ, is one of the church's most vibrant, influential, and sensible theologians. His work on mercy and compassion, as well as his larger work on moral theology, has had a profound influence on my own life. His writings, based on Scripture, tradition, and experience, are accessible, inviting, faithful, provocative, and inspiring. Father Keenan has helped to teach me how to think about life, and, more importantly, how to live. -- James Martin, SJ, author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Jesus: A Pilgrimage
Pope Francis has called for a “Church of Mercy”—but what does that require of us today? James Keenan shows us the way, incarnating Christian moral wisdom in vivid accounts of suffering and succor. Keenan takes us from a Tijuana jail cell, through the cancer wards at a Boston teaching hospital, to a little bistro called Sweet Inspiration in the Philippines. A consummate teacher, he equips us to recognize and respond to the urgent pleas for mercy in our own lives. -- M. Cathleen Kaveny, Darald and Juliet Libby Professor of Law and Theology, Boston College
In this compelling and evocative work, Keenan sheds new light on the Christian tradition of mercy. With his characteristic erudition and enviable fluency, Keenan reveals the multidimensional nature of mercy, highlighting how the works of mercy are structured into all aspects of Christian life and identity. The updated material in this new edition reconfirms how needful of mercy the world continues to be. Moreover, it captures beautifully the way Pope Francis has evoked and embodied this theology of mercy. Elegantly written, this book is as much a meditation as it is a work of theology. -- Linda Hogan, Trinity College, Dublin
With characteristic skill at combining profound theological insights with engaging narratives, James Keenan provides an inspiring account of the works of mercy essential to Christian living. This edition’s enduring guideposts from the riches of scripture and tradition, resonant personal accounts, and creative updates enable readers to discern God’s invitation to show mercy amidst the chaos of our daily lives. The Works of Mercy brilliantly illuminates the heart of discipleship as we live it out in our ordinary relationships. -- Kristin E. Heyer, Boston College