Friday, June 12, 2021

 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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