Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16, Ps. 23, Romans 5:5-11, Luke 15:3-7
“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
Today, we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We celebrate that which propelled Jesus to become man and save us, just as a shepherd who sacrifices everything to rescue a lost sheep, leaving the ninety-nine behind (Luke 15:4).
We celebrate that which moved Jesus to love us so much that he died on the cross on our behalf, not because we even deserved it. As St. Paul says in today’s Second Reading, “God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
The heart of Jesus is sacred because it is the heart of God. It is also a typical shepherd’s heart, a heart so full of love and concern for the good of humanity, who are His Sheep. From this heart, we hear God speaking through the prophet Ezekiel in today’s first reading:
“I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered... And I will bring them out from the peoples, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their land; and I will feed them on the mountains… I will feed them with good pasture, … they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on fat pasture, they shall feed” (Ezekiel 34:12-14).
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus, speaking through a parable, describes the joy God feels when a sinner repents. The Sacred Heart does not bear grudges – He is ever ready to receive us, no matter what our past has been. His love for us is constant; it is not based on how well we have behaved. Even when we do not deserve it, He continues to love us.
In 1673, Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque received a vision and revelations from Jesus, including the image of Jesus’s Sacred Heart as well as the 12 Promises to those who honour His Sacred Heart.
1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their families.
3. I will bless every house in which the picture of My heart shall be exposed and honoured.
4. I will comfort them in all their difficulties.
5. I will be their refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.
6. I will shed abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
7. Sinners shall find in My heart a fountain and boundless ocean of mercy.
8. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
9. Fervent souls shall rise speedily to great perfection.
10. I will give the priests the power to touch the hardest hearts.
11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their names written in My heart never to be blotted out.
12. I promise thee, in the excessive mercy of My heart, that My all powerful love will grant to all who communicate on the first Friday of the month for nine consecutive months, the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My displeasure nor without the sacraments: My divine heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.
As we reflect on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us examine our hearts. Am I pure and gentle in heart? Do I seek only the good of those put under my care? Do I love others even when I have nothing to gain from them?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, make our hearts like yours. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – Solemnity. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Ezekiel 34:11-16, Ps. 23, Romans 5:5-11, Luke 15:3-7).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu