The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
(Hosea 11:1.3-4.8-9; Ephesians 3:8-12.14-19; John 19:31-37)
Most crucifixes show Jesus’ side pierced. More often it is his right side that has
received the wound. This interpretation
conforms with the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel that sees the life-giving water
flowing from the right side of the temple.
(To be exact, Ezekiel says the temple faced east with the water flowing
from its south side.)
Sometimes, however, crucifixes show Jesus’ left side as
being pierced. A lance entering his left
side would leave his heart wounded. This
image corresponds better with today’s feast.
Jesus’ heart is called “sacred” because it has suffered with and for all
humanity. It is not intact which would
indicate hardness or, at least, invulnerability. Rather its woundedness suggests that he knows
how it feels to be scorned, betrayed, and tortured. Jesus underwent this suffering so that we do
not have to suffer alone. His doing intentionally
has attained forgiveness for us when we sinfully cause suffering to others.
Today we first thank Jesus for suffering for us. He did so out of love. We also pledge that we will suffer patiently with
him. As members of his Body, we want our
pain and sorrow to be added to his. In
this way other people may know of his love for them.
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