FRIDAY JUNE 7, 2024
FRIDAY OF THE NINETH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS
Hosea 11:1,3-4, 8-9
Ephesians 3:8-12,14-19
John 19:31-37
THE HEART OF JESUS IS THE SEAT OF SUPREME LOVE AND COMPASSION
When we talk of the heart, we mean the seat of great emotions of compassion, mercy and love. It is the heart that these flow unceasingly. In the case of our Lord Jesus Christ, we read from the gospels how this heart was pierced with a lance as Jesus hangs on the cross and there came out blood and water. It is the heart that offers himself for the salvation of mankind from whom the cleansing water of rebirth, the forgiveness of sins and the regeneration of man was achieved.
It demonstrates the infinite love of Christ for all mankind. A human heart that flows with mercy, love and compassion for all mankind. A heart sacred, that is persistently seeking union with the undeserving and unworthy human beings. A heart that has a clear mission and purpose to demonstrate compassion, mercy and love to all mankind.
It is a love that looks beyond the human sphere. A love that can only be described as supernatural which flows from the human heart of Jesus. Such heart can also be described as being sacred for allowing such overwhelming love to issue from it.
The sacred heart of Jesus is therefore a demonstration of a heart that is supernaturally gifted to men. As our second reading talks about this mystery that is unfathomable.
It puts to question the nature of our hearts too. For us believers and Christians, what kind of heart do we have? What quality of love and compassion do we give to others? Since our love and compassion flows equally from our hearts, can be said to be in imitation of the sacred heart of Jesus. Is our heart pure, forgiving, sincerely, faithful, and loving?
The quality of our heart determines the morality of our behavior towards others. If our hearts gives out love and compassion in imitation of Christ our leader so our live will be pure and loving if not then we are adding to the sorrows of Christ.
Devotion to this mystery has been among the people of old for a very long time. Such devotions aims as the imitation of the heart of Jesus as well as giving due honour to Jesus too. This devotion to the sacred heart of Jesus was initially recognized among Christians but was adequately publicized by a priest Fr Jean Eudes whose preaching helped to popularize the mystery. And it took the visions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque who was intensely devoted to the cult of the sacred heart of Jesus to spread this devotion also. Added to this message growing faster was the official recognition of the feast by Pope Pius IX in 1856 as a universal feast to be celebrated in the churches liturgical calendar.
And underlining the feast is the theme of divine love, God’s mercy and compassion over mankind and the message to trust in God’s overflowing love and mercy. It also implore all to make reparations for sins committed against the love and mercy of God.
Looking at the pictorial description of this feast as we view the heart of Jesus we see and revere the heart of Jesus and the self giving love of Christ to all mankind. The pierced heart of Jesus demonstrate the great love of Christ. And we are called to reflect on this love and imitate same, while reverencing same to the glory of God. And we desire that same heart of love and compassion shall be granted to us all. As we pray, most sacred heart of Jesus, make our hearts like unto thine.
Eternal Father, in Christ Jesus you showed us the immensity of your love which your sacred heart symbolizes. Grant us same heart of love, mercy and compassion. May we never offend you by our obstinacy, irreligiosity, wickedness and hatred of others. Forgive all these we have committed. And help us to imitate this heart of love and compassion; this self giving love and affectionate heart. Make O Lord our hearts like unto thine through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
