Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Hos. 11:1, 3-4, 8c -9 | Ps. Is. 12:2-6 | Eph. 3:8-12, 14-19 | John 19:31-37
Today we celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All the readings refer to Jesus and the depth of God’s love for us by giving Jesus to us. Hosea reminds us of God’s love for Israel and God’s promise not to destroy her. This reminder is for each of us as well. Paul speaks about the love of Jesus through whom we have access to God. He utters a prayer for each of us that we might be strengthened in our inner beings and that Christ may dwell in our hearts through faith. His prayer also asks that we might comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth of God’s love for us. What a wonderful prayer! The Gospel relates the story after the crucifixion when Christ’s side is pierced by the solders and blood and water flows out. Is this not the ultimate of love? Paul’s prayer is one that we might taste this love in our inner being.
Pause for some time. Allow the love of God to reach your inner being. See the scene of Christ on the cross shedding His blood for you. Spend time with Christ. Allow yourself to feel the breadth, length, height and depth of this magnanimous God. Let this love sink deep into your being. Thank God for this great gift.