Homilette for Friday, May 30, 2008

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

(Matthew 11:25-30)

With all the attention given to computer learning we might think that human teachers are becoming obsolete. But, of course, that is far from the case. As helpful as computers are, students need a person to assist them in acquiring knowledge. They have questions that computers cannot understand and difficulties that only human intuition can ascertain.

In the gospel today Matthew presents Jesus as the “teacher of the ages.” Jesus’ meekness and humility will not reject anyone. He does not say one thing and do another but instructs followers to learn by following his example. The yoke that he lays on apprentices – the lessons he gives them to follow – are not rigorous. They only have to love another as he loves all.

The heart of Jesus, pierced but aflame, symbolizes all the richness of this gospel nugget. Its ardor reaches all people without exception. Its woundedness knows the trials of the weak who, in some ways and at some times, include everyone. It invites each one of us to enter its chambers where we might be renewed for the long journey heavenward.