There is no 9th maxim in this series because Hopko was not consistent in his treatment of maxims 7, 8, and 9. Sometimes, he split Maxim 7 into eating good foods in moderation (7) and keep the Church’s fasting rules (8) with Maxim 9 advising us to spend time in silence every day. On other occasions, he offered a single Maxim 7 on eating and fasting and split Maxim 9 into practising inner and outer silence (8) and spending time in silence every day. I have chosen to use the combined versions of both maxims.
So, Hopko’s 10th maxim becomes ‘Do acts of mercy in secret.’ But mercy is not limited to socially typical expressions like spontaneous small talk, volunteering in chaotic environments, or reading subtle social cues. Acts of mercy can include very concrete, structured forms of care that align with the strengths of neurodivergent Christians: praying by name for others, giving alms online, preparing food or practical help in advance, writing clear messages of encouragement, or using your special interests and skills to support the Church and people in need. What makes them truly merciful is not how ‘normal’ they look, but that they are offered quietly before God, without seeking recognition or praise, even when no one understands how much energy they cost you.
This maxim is also a protection for autistic people who have often been shamed, misunderstood, or taken advantage of in church contexts. Doing acts of mercy ‘in secret’ does not mean letting others exploit you or ignoring your own sensory, social, or executive-function limits; it means that your main ‘audience’ is Christ, not whoever happens to notice. It can be an act of mercy to set boundaries that prevent burnout or meltdowns, to choose forms of service that you can sustain (such as behind-the-scenes tasks, data work, setup and cleanup at quieter times), and to step away from roles where your difference is mocked or erased. Hidden mercy can even include things like patiently regulating your own sensory overload so you do not lash out, or quietly leaving a triggering situation instead of escalating; God sees these as real labour, even if others only see you as ‘quiet’ or ‘odd’.
Because many autistic people experience chronic rejection, isolation, and exhaustion, it is important to remember that you are also a proper recipient of mercy. Sometimes the most honest ‘act of mercy in secret’ is allowing yourself to rest, to seek therapy or support, to ask for an accommodation at church, or to accept help without self-contempt, so that you can continue to love God and neighbour over the long term. You may find it helpful to choose one or two small, repeatable mercies that fit your sensory profile and energy (for example, lighting candles and praying for people, sending one message of encouragement a week, or discreetly funding someone’s needs), and to consciously offer them to Christ with a prayer such as: ‘Lord, receive this little act as love.’ In this way, Hopko’s maxim becomes a path by which autistic ways of perceiving, persevering, and caring become unique channels through which the mercy of God flows into the world.
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