Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As a young mother, I learned the term Liturgical Living for families. In other words, living according to the church calendar—celebrating and observing feast days and church seasons. At times, this is done using tangible treats or goods with a lesson. Today, our eight children and I will make sugar cookies in the shape of hearts. We will discuss the meaning of The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, a feast day that was first celebrated in Rennes, France. However, the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus dates back much further. We will talk about God’s limitless and divine love. A love, that truthfully our human hearts cannot begin to comprehend, though we will try.

Parents’ Obligation Regarding the Burning Love of the Sacred Heart

In the first reading, the prophet Hosea compares the love of God for His people to a parent and child. As parents and adults, we must be the direction for the children and youth. We have an incredible obligation to model knowing, loving, and serving the Lord.

Sacred Heart as Mercy

St. Paul reminds us to have “boldness of speech and confidence of access of faith through Him.” We must have courage to profess the burning love Jesus has for mankind. He desires to pour out so many graces and blessings and in return longs for man’s love for Him. The emphasis of Jesus’s Sacred Heart is mercy! Because like most parents, no matter how far children may stray, He is joyfully awaiting His children’s return.

Sacred Heart as Infinite Love

I love conversion and reversion stories. They remind me of how Jesus’ Sacred Heart can touch anybody. His love is infinite. Today’s gospel reading reminded me of one. A favorite book, The Spear, written by Louis de Wohl, tells the story of a very unknown person in the crucifixion of Jesus. The Roman soldier, traditionally given the name Longinus, who speared the heart Jesus after he had died on the cross. It is an imaginative retelling based on historical events that can still speak to the truth about Jesus. You know Him better because of it. Following the spearing, Longinus had such an immense conversion of heart that he left his life as a high-ranking centurion to follow the Christian life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Today, Longinus is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

Be the Sermon

If God can impact such a hardened heart like Longinus, just imagine the work He can do in you and me! Think for a moment, about the work He can use us to do as well. We have immeasurable opportunities to bring others to the Sacred Heart of His Son, Jesus. His heart is more than just a symbol of love. For those who truly know Him, know He is love. What a gift to offer to others. St. Francis of Assisi once said, “The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.” Be the sermon.

[Readings: Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9; Psalm: Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.; Eph 3:8-12, 14-19; Jn 19:31-37]