FRIDAY, TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Ez 34: 11-16 Ps 23: 1-6 Rom 5: 5-11 Lk 15: 3-7
THE FACE OF GOD IS LOVE
The question “Who is God?” has captivated humanity since time immemorial, stirring awe, wonder, and endless contemplation. In the Old Testament, God emerges as a multifaceted divine presence, described through vivid imagery and profound encounters. Early traditions portray Him as the supreme Creator, wielding unmatched power to bring life from nothingness. He is the God of armies, performing mighty deeds to liberate His people. This portrayal evolves into a loving, merciful, and faithful God who freely enters a covenant with humanity, created in His image. The temple cult emphasizes God as the divine Lawgiver, commanding obedience through sacred ordinances (the Jewish Law), while the prophets present Him as a compassionate shepherd or a devoted husband – just, yet forgiving, demanding moral integrity from His people. We must acknowledge however, that the Scriptures consistently affirm that God transcends human understanding, remaining a mystery beyond comprehension. We recall the words of the prophet Isaiah: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Is 55:8-9) We are granted only glimpses of His nature through experiences of His presence, not full comprehension. The truest path to knowing God is through humility – on our knees in prayer, loving Him and others. This approach draws us into a relationship with the divine, where faith and devotion outweigh intellectual mastery.
Jesus revolutionizes our understanding of God, revealing Him as unconditional, impartial love embodied in a Father’s heart. He exemplifies this love, laying down His life for humanity, even when we were His enemies (second reading). Through His incarnation, Christ becomes love itself, manifesting divine goodness in His teachings, miracles, and ultimate sacrifice. His cruel death on the cross and the institution of the Eucharist make God’s presence tangible. The Eucharist is love that gives itself entirely, nourishing us to become better and happier, while the cross embodies forgiveness without limit, excusing humanity’s hostility as ignorance. This love is a deliberate choice to overcome evil with good, extending care to both the righteous and the unrighteous. Jesus’ invitation – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) – beckons those weighed down by life’s heaviness or meaninglessness. In Him, we find renewal, empowered to love without reservation, mirroring His selfless devotion. This transformative love is the essence of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a symbol of divine compassion that burns for humanity’s salvation. To immerse ourselves in this heart is to emerge as agents of love, committed to healing a fractured world. By embracing Christ’s love, we become channels of His grace, fostering reconciliation, hope, and redemption in our communities and in the world.
On this day, we honour priests ordained to minister as living reflections of Christ’s Sacred Heart. Their pastoral calling – to make present the love of Jesus through the Eucharist, preaching, and service – is both a privilege and a challenge, especially in today’s complex and often hostile world. Priests stand as shepherds, guiding souls to the heart of Christ, administering sacraments that sustain faith, and embodying the sacrificial love of the cross. Their commitment demands courage, resilience, and unwavering fidelity to God’s call, even amidst personal struggles or societal pressures. As they face these challenges, they rely on the grace of the Sacred Heart to renew their zeal and strength. Let us intercede fervently for our priests today, praying that they bind themselves ever more closely to their sacred mission. May they draw from the inexhaustible love of Christ’s heart, finding inspiration to live out their sacred promises with joy and perseverance. As a community, we are called to support them through prayer, encouragement, and gratitude, recognizing their vital role in bringing God’s love to the world. Together, let us walk toward the Sacred Heart of Jesus, allowing its transformative power to shape us into people of boundless love. By living ‘eucharistically’; that is, by offering ourselves for others in imitation of Christ who offers us His Body and Blood in love, we participate in the salvation of the world, fulfilling our Christian vocation to be light and salt in a world yearning for God’s embrace.
Response: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
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