Friday, June 19, 2020


Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

(Deuteronomy 7:6-11; I John 4:7-16; Matthew 11:25-30)

Time is too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love, time is eternity.

The author of these words, Henry Van Dyke, was a Christian preacher.  No doubt, he realized that his statement is true because of Jesus Christ.  Jesus not only showed the world the extent of God’s love by his death on the cross.  He also sent us his Spirit so that we too might love as he did. 

What makes the love of Jesus different from ordinary human love?  Two qualities stand out. First, Jesus, imitating the Father, loves us in our sinfulness.   He sees our beauty despite knowing our defects.  Second, Jesus’ love for us is without any particular gain for himself.  He does not need our love, but we need his if we are to love for all eternity.

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart especially celebrates the love of God in Jesus Christ.  His heart is often pictured with a crown of thorns and drops of blood.  Both indicate the passion Jesus endured in expressing his love for us.