Having The Right Perspective

The spiritual works of mercy are in themselves better than the corporal works of mercy.  This is so because the soul of man is more noble than his body.  But in particular cases, the corporal works of mercy may be better and more necessary than the spiritual works of mercy.  A starving man needs food more than he needs instruction.  

Walter Farrell, O.P., S.T.M. and Martin J. Healy, S.T.D.