Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Hosea 11:1.3-4.8-9, Eph. 3:2-12.14-19, Jn 19:31-37. Today the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, to celebrate the perfect manifestation of the love of God. The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus shows us the greatest love that ever exists, the pure love of God for us. Our readings overflow with the theme of God’s constant love for His “sheep,” just like the shepherd who tends his flocks. In today’s Gospel, Jesus goes further with the parable of the lost sheep, to show the Father’s tireless search for our salvation. Based on the “Heart of Jesus” as a symbol of love, the Church strongly promotes devotion to Christ as the incarnate love of God.

Jesus transfers this Shepherd imagery to His own life’s work. He became the Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for the sheep. The pierced heart of Christ proclaims that “greater love” of which Jesus says: “No one can have greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” The image of the Sacred Heart offered the message of love in a very personal way, echoes in today’s second reading: “I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” Jesus is the supreme revelation of God who is love. All authentic love is life-giving and that is uniquely true of Jesus, the revelation of God’s love. Today, He uses the image of “resting” to speak of that love. He invites all who are burdened to come to Him and to find rest, to find life. Even a slight inkling of the tremendous love of God for us can have a transforming effect. It can empower us to love one another as God has loved us.

May the Lord in His Most Sacred Heart, continue to love us and care for us, so that we may continue to do what is right and just, worthy and appropriate for us! Amen!! Have a glorious day!!!