SOLEMNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS, FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026

SACRED HEART OF JESUS

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

REFLECTION

 "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."

We all have experienced love.

When the soldier pierced the side of Jesus on the Cross, blood and water flowed from His wounded Heart, the sign of mercy, His sacrifice and His life giving love. The Heart of Christ is both divine and human and it is a love that never ceases even when rejected.

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is PAPA's ultimate Patron. We are to devote our time and life to Him.  "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." These words reveal the very heart of Jesus. His Sacred Heart is not distant, harsh, or closed. His Heart is gentle, humble, merciful, and open to all who are tired, wounded, afraid, or carrying heavy burdens.

When someone loves us, they want to share all the good they possess with us, they want to teach all they know and show what is best for us. This love does not demand that one be perfect, but we are to come to Him as we are. I see myself as a "little red wagon", with the two front wheels wobbling and shimmying, rattling and limping along struggling under the weight of life.

The PAPA Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus summarizes His Heart: Meek and humble, hungry and thirsty, pure, most sorrowful and compassionate, generous, grateful, most forgiving and most faithful. And we want His heart, for Him to show us how to grow with Him.

Today, Jesus invites us to rest in His Sacred Heart. Let us bring Him our worries, our sins, our families, our nation, our Church, and our priests. May His Heart make our hearts more gentle, humble, forgiving, and loving.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine.

GOD BLESS YOU