Today marks the celebration of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It has also been designated the "beginning of a "Year for Priests" in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the "dies natalis" of John Mary Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests worldwide" to quote our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI.
I recently took a catechesis class where the instructor made an effort to impress that we as catechists need to focus once again on the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, "He has loved us all with a human heart. For this reason, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced by our sins and for our salvation, 'is quite rightly considered the chief sign and symbol for that... love with which the Redeemer continually loves the eternal Father and all human beings' without exception" (CCC478).
Ask any little child where Jesus is and he will tell you in his heart. Jesus poured out his divine love from the pierced human heart of his very human body. The heart has long been the symbol of love. In this instance Jesus shows his love not only for the Father but the love He has for all mankind. From this heart of Jesus poured forth the life giving sacraments of Baptism and the Precious Blood of the Eucharist. From his side came his Bride, the Church. He gave us life, our hearts beat because his most Sacred Heart made it so. Who wouldn't want to spend time in devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus? Would this devotion lead us to love with the kind of love Jesus shared, with a sacred heart? To focus on the Sacred Heart of Jesus might move us to be more forgiving, to show more kindness, to help us when we need patience with whatever task or "cross" that God brings to us.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me
Most Sacrd Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me
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