Today we can choose to take a chance on love
Reflections on the readings for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (June 8, 2018): HOS 11:1,3-4.8-9; IS 12:2-3,4,5-6; EPH 3:8-12,14-19; JN 19:31-37
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
This is a perfect day to celebrate love, in particular the perfect love of God for each one of us.
He sent His Son to save us from the sins of the world, the flesh and the devil – and from ourselves. We know that we can, at times, leave little room for God's goodness, forgiveness and mercy in our hearts. Today we take time to truly venerate the Sacred Heart of Jesus and consider the overwhelming love He offers us each moment of our life – and offer a full response to His love.
St. Paul, like the other Apostles and Evangelists, tried to convey the greatness of charity and compassion God bears for us. “I kneel before the Father…that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend…what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:14, 17-19). Jesus wants us to give our hearts to Him so that He can fill them with His love. We are so used to the false safety of the small, hard shells in which we hide, that it can seem too risky to allow Christ and His love to live in us. Yet that is just what He seeks – to give us everything, to give us Himself. Let us take the glorious chance, the incredible opportunity and open ourselves completely to Him.
Suggested missionary action: We ask our Lord to hold us in His Heart and to help us share His love with others. We can pray each day, “O Sacred Heart of Jesus, make my heart like Yours.”