Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. At its core, this feast is a celebration of our Savior’s merciful love for us—a magnanimous love that knows no bounds. Most stock raisers would laugh upon hearing today’s Gospel story of the shepherd who would leave his entire flock untended to go in search of a single lamb that has strayed from the fold. It’s just not practical according to the world’s standards. But it demonstrates the reckless love with which our God loves us. Jesus is indeed the Good Shepherd. He cares for each and every one of us so much that he goes in search of us whenever we stray from the fold. He triumphantly carries us back home on his shoulders and joyfully restores us to the flock.
St. Paul’s words from the letter to the Romans (our second reading) captures the heart of this celebration: “God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us…Indeed, if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more, once reconciled, will we be saved by his life” (Rom 5:8,10). And Jesus, himself said “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (Jn 15:13). We have received proof beyond doubt of our Savior’s love for us. He gave his very life for us from the depth of his loving heart despite our sinfulness and infidelity.
What is the challenge placed before us by Jesus’ act of selfless love? He stated it quite simply to his disciples and he extends the same command to us as well: “I have given you a model to follow, so that as I have done for you, you should also do…love one another” (Jn 13:15,34).
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections