Word to the Wise
Friday, May 30, 2008 - Sacred Heart of Jesus
[Deuteronomy 7:6-11; 1 John 4:7-16; Matthew 11:25-30]Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.
After the Rosary, few devotions have enjoyed the popularity that devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus has attracted since it became well known in the 17th century. Part of the original reason, which is still true today, is that this devotion appeals, well..., to the heart! I could probably spend much of the day exploring the various meanings and images that we give to the heart as a physical, emotional and spiritual symbol! The three scriptures chosen by the church for the celebration of the feast highlight certain values that we associate with "heart." I think it may be worthwhile to content myself with noting those! Deuteronomy emphasizes fidelity to the covenant relationship. Married persons can find much to reflect on in this image, but friendship, vows of any kind, commitment to a cause... all of these demand fidelity and steadfast determination to honor and keep a promise. A "steadfast heart" is a valued trait. Deuteronomy emphasizes how God is faithful and so should we be. The First Letter of John emphasizes the power of love that is found in the gift of God's love. Consider these words: "Everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God. Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love....... No one has ever seen God. Yet, if we love one another, God remains in us, and his love to brought to perfection in us." These words call our attention to the fact that we cannot separate love of God and love of neighbor! The same heart must love both and cannot claim to love one without loving the other! The gospel scripture from the Gospel of Matthew emphasizes humility and compassion. These two virtues enable us to have a less ego-centric view of ourselves and a care for others - a generous "heart." Many Catholic homes have a framed picture of "the Sacred Heart." There is a devotion called "the enthronement of the Sacred Heart." Whatever devotion one wishes to adopt in the realm of the image of the heart of Christ, I think remembering the values of fidelity, love and compassion will enable us to have the kind of "heart" that mirrors God! AMEN