Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
(Deuteronomy 7:6-11; I John 4:7-16; Matthew 11:25-30)
With all the attention given to long-distance learning we might think that human teachers are becoming obsolete. But, of course, this is not the case. As much as computers abet instruction, students often need physical contact with a person to learn. 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 will not reject anyone. He never says one thing then does another but instructs by example. The yoke that he lays on apprentices – the lessons they are to follow – is not onerous because he supplies the strength to bear it. It is simply that they love another as he loves all.
The heart of Jesus, pierced and aflame, symbolizes all the richness of this gospel nugget. Its ardor reaches all people without exception. Its vulnerability knows the trials of the weak who in some manner include everyone. It invites each of us to enter its chambers where we might be renewed for the journey heavenward.
