SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS : Friday 16th June 2023

There are varied approaches in discovering the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Psalm 103 is one way.

What is the Sacred Heart of Jesus like? The Sacred Heart of Jesus forgives all our guilt, heals our ills; redeems our life from the grave; and crowns us with love and compassion (vv 3-4). It is because of our sins that we experience guilt.

We need healing and redemption from death because of the breakdown of our physical body (disease, pain, weakness). Because we are hopeless and helpless (at different times of our life), the Lord extends His love and compassion to us, giving us peace and joy to live on.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus also vindicates and gives justice to “all” (v 6) who are oppressed (e.g. war victims, refugees, migrant workers, the abused) – in this life or in the life to come.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of compassion, love, patience, and mercy – that “does not treat us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our faults” (v 10). Israel has experienced it in their salvation history with God. We, too, will experience it now in our lives.

So, what should our response be to the everlasting love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (v 17)? Let us follow the Psalmist to give thanks to the Lord (v 1), to worship God with all our being (v 1), and to “never forget all His blessings” (v 2).

Lord, help us to shoulder Your yoke and learn from You, to be “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29).

Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus – Ninth Day (16th June): United Heart