SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS, YEAR A. 18.06.19.

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Readings: Deut. 7:6-11; Ps. 102:1-4, 6-8, 10; 1 John 4:7-16 and Mt 11:25-30. 


THE HEART OF LOVE. 

 

The heart has been the center of the human person, the wellspring of our emotional life and love. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, of which we meditate on His interior life and the attributes of His Divine Heart. This day, we can gain plenary indulgence by making an Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart.

 

Historically, it is a devotion that has been on since the Middle Ages and became widespread in the 17th century owing to the preaching of St Jean Eudes (1602-1680). It gained greater ground through the visionary Margaret Mary Alacoque of Paris, until 18th century, the devotion was only in France and was later extended to the universal Church by Pope Pius IX. Today, the devotion to the Sacred Heart underlines the centrality of Divine love, encouraging all to trust in God’s overflowing benevolence towards the world He has made.

 

The solemnity of today invites us to have full confidence in God’s constant love for us. God, in His tireless search for our salvation, has called His servant Moses and so many prophets of old who were shepherds of His flocks. In the first reading, Moses reminded Israel that they are chosen by God, not because of their numerical strength, but because God loves Israel and He is keeping the oath, which he swore to their fathers, by bringing them out from the land of Egypt. The readings made some attributes to God as a caring and merciful God full of love. The psalmist tells us the mercy of the Lord is everlasting upon those who hold him in fear. The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger and rich in mercy. He does not treat us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our fault. The readings expresses a heart full of love.

 

In the Gospel, Christ invites us to, “Come to me, all who are labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” We can imagine an invitation coming from God himself, he said, ‘Come to me.’ He directed His call to those who were burdened to come to Him in other to relieve their need, those whose hearts are heavy; it is an invitation to you. He revealed his nature when he described himself as gentle and humble of heart, the heart that bears our burdens, which helps us to reflect more on the Sacred Heart.

 

A picture of the Sacred Heart speaks of the love of Christ, a love most totally shown upon the cross. The pierced heart of Christ proclaim that ‘greater love’ of which Christ said, “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 St Paul’s words, “I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” St John in the second reading gives us one of the shortest yet most profound statements about God in the entire Bible. He said, “God is love.” He adds that, “God’s love was revealed when God sent into the world his only Son.” Love describes the character and heart of God. He is so rich in love and compassion, that it can be used to describe His very being.

 

Dear friends in Christ, if our hearts are opened for our friends and family members to see, what exactly will they find in it? Is it bitterness? Is it anger? Is it revenge or hatred? We are called this day to examine our hearts if it conforms to the forgiving and merciful Heart of Christ, His loving and caring heart. May God give us the grace to eliminate every hardened heard in us and learn from Christ who is gentle and lowly in heart. Jesus, meak and humble of heart – make our hearts like unto yours. Peace be with you! Happy feast day!

 

Fr. Ken Dogbo, OSJ


Comments

  1. UnknownJune 18, 2020 at 10:20 PM

    It's a blast

    ReplyDelete
  2. Frpdike June 18, 2020 at 10:46 PM

    Wonderful piece. More Grace to your Ministry. Fr.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJune 19, 2020 at 12:18 AM

    Let our hearts conforms to the forgiving and merciful heart of Christ,His loving and caring heart.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownJune 19, 2020 at 1:38 AM

    Indeed God is love
    Amen 🙏And also with you... Happy feast day to you padre.

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownJune 19, 2020 at 2:31 AM

    God bless u fr!

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownJune 19, 2020 at 3:27 AM

    Thanks Padre.

    Happy feast day to you too

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownJune 19, 2020 at 3:45 AM

    May the love of God for us spur us on to love others as He had loved us and continue to love despite our unworthiness before Him. Amen.
    Thank you Fr.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Basil ChinonsoJune 19, 2020 at 6:38 AM

    Thanks Padre. God bless you

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownJune 20, 2020 at 1:08 AM

    Amen

    ReplyDelete

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