THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS JUNE 7, 2024

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Jn 19:31-37

Since it was preparation day,

in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,

for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,

the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken

and they be taken down.

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first

and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,

they did not break his legs,

but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,

and immediately blood and water flowed out.

An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;

he knows that he is speaking the truth,

so that you also may come to believe.

For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled:

Not a bone of it will be broken.

And again another passage says:

They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

REFLECTION

They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus continuously beats for us with love, giving us all His graces and mercy through the sacraments. Today is very special as we remember the devotion to His Sacred Heart. This devotion was a popular devotion since the early days of the Church. In the seventeenth century, there was a rise of an affectionate approach to the humanity of Jesus.

St John Eudes worked for a feast in honor of Jesus’ heart, celebrated at first on August 31, 1670. This devotion grew when Jesus appeared to St Margaret Mary Alaconque on June 16, 1675, asking for a feast of the Sacred Heart on the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi, the celebration of the Body and Blood of Jesus. This was to be in reparation for the lack of gratitude people showed for His sacrifice.

My family had a large picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our living room. I would spend time before this portrait of a serene man with loving eyes, pointing to his heart. I don’t recall knowing anything about the portrait or the significance; yet, I was drawn to Him. Even at a young age, I knew His heart was a symbol of love.

God loved me in human form in a frail and fragile body, showed me how much He loved by pouring out all His blood and water to save me. Now His heart is in His glorified body telling me how much I am loved. As man and divine, He knows all my feelings, emotions and desires and embraces me with His love.

In my youth and now, I don't come close to understanding His love. I believe in Him and I can only find the power of His love through faith. Looking at His heart, I am more deeply aware of what He has done for me, and I am painfully aware of what I have done to Him.

Grow in faith by frequent prayer, reception of the sacraments, daily Mass, visits in front of the Blessed Sacrament, learning the Bible through Bible study. Get to know Jesus Christ, the incarnate God, and grow in faith and trust.

God bless you.