The Work of Mercy: Pray for the Living and the Dead, Part 1
One of the sillier jokes told about Catholics is the one about the guy who gets ushered inside the pearly gates by St. Peter. As
April 1, 2026
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Welcome to the website of Catholic author Mark Shea! Read his recent musings on the blog, or purchase his books from the store.
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The Work of Mercy: Comfort the Afflicted, Part 2
Of course, there are many kinds of affliction, and all the corporal works of mercy, from feeding the hungry to burying the dead, aim to
March 31, 2026
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The Work of Mercy: Comfort the Afflicted, Part 1
As I was writing this book, I got an earache. I don’t mean a little twingy pain, like a headache or a sore toe. I
March 30, 2026
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March 28, 2026
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Dive into the Sheavings
The Season of Poverty
One of the odd paradoxes of life is the peculiar attraction of poverty. Part of us hates and fears the thought of poverty: the grind of it, the frustration of not being able to do what we would like, the shame of it (especially for competitive types), and the fear
No Harm Will Befall You
If you make the Most High your dwelling–even the LORD, who is my refuge–then no harm will befall you,no disaster will come near your tent.For he will command his angels concerning youto guard you in all your ways;they will lift you up in their hands,so that you will not strike
The Works of Mercy: Admonish the Sinner
Of all the works of mercy, probably the most thankless and despised is admonishing the sinner. Nobody wants to do it (except human toothaches and people who never get invited to parties) and nobody wants it done to them. “Repent!” is one of those words that eats at the heart
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About Mark Shea
Greetings! I’m Mark P. Shea, a Catholic author and blogger who’s also done a spot of podcasting and even acting here and there, as well as radio and TV work. My latest book, The Church’s Best-Kept Secret: A Primer on Catholic Social Teaching was published in September 2020 by New City Press. Other works include By What Authority?: An Evangelical Discovers Catholic Tradition (Ignatius), Mary, Mother of the Son, This is My Body: An Evangelical Discovers the Real Presence (Christendom), and Making Senses Out of Scripture: Reading the Bible as the First Christians Did (Basilica), Salt and Light: The Commandments, the Beatitudes, and a Joyful Life (Servant), The Heart of Catholic Prayer: Rediscovering the Our Father and the Hail Mary (Our Sunday Visitor) and The Work of Mercy: Being the Hands and Heart of Christ (Servant).
I can also be found on Facebook (here and here) and Twitter. If you like my work and want to see more of it, please become one of my supporters on Patreon…..
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