Works of Mercy

The icon is made on a particle board with the use of the most advanced imprinting and production techniques. The background is decorated in a way that gives the impression of glossy gilding.

This icon is an allegorical representation of Jesus’ words:

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Matthew 25:40

Jesus is depicted as Christ who is hungry, thirsty, imprisoned, a stranger, naked, and sick. In each individual scene, a person reaches out to Him, offering water, bread, shelter, or whatever else is needed. This artistic depiction illustrates the Lord’s command: the good that each Christian performs for a needy brother is considered as done in the name of Jesus Christ and constitutes an offering to God Himself.

The Gospel passage continues:

"‘For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’"

Matthew 25:42-45

The icon reminds every Christian of the heart of the Gospel — the love for one’s neighbor and the living service to Christ through acts of mercy.