The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a feast of divine love. It honors the heart of Christ—pierced, burning with love, and overflowing with mercy. This celebration draws us into the depth of Jesus’ compassionate love for humanity, revealed most fully through His Passion and ongoing presence in the Eucharist.
Scriptural Readings:
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First Reading: Hosea 11:1, 3–4, 8–9 – God’s tender and aching love for His people is expressed through the image of a parent who cannot abandon His child.
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Psalm: Isaiah 12 – “You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.”
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Second Reading: Ephesians 3:8–12, 14–19 – St. Paul prays that we may comprehend “the breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love.
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Gospel: John 19:31–37 – The piercing of Jesus’ side on the Cross reveals His heart as the source of living water and divine mercy.
Meaning of the Sacred Heart:
The Sacred Heart symbolizes:
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Christ’s infinite love for every person.
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His suffering and sacrifice for our redemption.
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The source of mercy, peace, and healing.
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A heart that still beats for us in the Eucharist.
This devotion became widespread through the revelations of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, who described Jesus showing her His heart aflame with love and wounded by the indifference of the world.
Reflection:
On this solemn day, we are invited to draw near to the wounded yet loving heart of our Savior. In a world often marked by coldness, isolation, and self-interest, the Heart of Jesus stands as a fountain of tenderness and mercy.
The Sacred Heart is not just a symbol—it is a reality of divine love made flesh, broken for us, and still offered in every Eucharist. To honor the Sacred Heart is to:
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Rest in His love.
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Repair the hurts of the world through prayer and penance.
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Imitate His mercy in how we treat others.
Spiritual Takeaway:
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Do I believe that Jesus loves me personally and unconditionally?
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How do I respond to His love in prayer, in gratitude, and in action?
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Can I be an agent of His mercy to those around me?
Prayer:
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love for You. May we take refuge in Your mercy,
be healed by Your wounds, and trust in Your promises. Make our hearts like Yours gentle, humble, and open to all. Amen.