The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Today is Friday the 19 June, the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo sing: ‘Inhliziyo Zethu’: ‘You will make my heart pure’.   A pure heart is a heart that is open to God, that doesn’t seek its own advantage, but wants whatever God wants.  As I enter into prayer today, I ask for that openness of heart.  I ask the Lord to lead my heart to him, to guide me in the way he wants me to go.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.  

Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus said, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to children;  yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.  All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.  "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  

What do you think it might be that God has hidden from the wise and intelligent, and yet revealed to children?  Secret facts, knowledge?  Understanding?  Attitudes of mind, or heart?  Closeness to God?  What is it?

Jesus points to children as examples of the kind of people able to hear what God has to say. In your own experience of children, what might it be about them that Jesus finds so admirable? The passage ends with a promise of rest to those who carry heavy burdens.  What would that promise mean to you, in your own circumstances?

This is the feast of the Sacred Heart.  As you hear this gospel again, notice any word or phrase that hits home for you.  Allow God’s heart to speak directly to yours.

What do you want to say just now to a God who promises: “I will give you rest”?  

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.