Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Readings: Deuteronomy 7:6-11; Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 10; 1 John 4:7-16; Matthew 11:25-30
Summary
Cycle A – The Praise of the Father & The Gentle Mastery of Christ (Mt 11:25-30)
Cycle B – The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Lk 15:3-7)
Cycle C – The Blood and Water (Jn 19:31-37)
Here is a grid of the readings from the 3 year cycle with an interpretive lens.
Reflection
The second reading does the heavy theological lifting binding the first and gospel portions together in the Theological Virtues.
- a. Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
- b. Prayer … that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love
- c. Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us.
The transformations.
- Love as Jesus loves.
- Pray as Jesus prayed (faith).
- Hope because God can be trusted.
Personal Reflection
While this Solemnity is primarily devotional the liturgy is grounded in theology with specific patterns emerging. It is tempting to boil the ocean in reason or to lose oneself in the poetry of Sacred Heart love. I also note the readings are relational, coventual, with a transformational intention with .shades of Call-to-Action.
In a Franciscan context, we would explore the mystery of the convergence of divine-meeting-human, in Jesus and for us (Sacramental, Relational, Eucharistic). That would be worthwhile.
Allow me to retreat to the two headings of our gospel portion for this Solemnity Cycle A:
- The Praise of the Father – Let us praise the Father for his love revealed.
- The Gentle Mastery of Christ – Let us allow his relief. The question is: how long endure such bitter thirst?
Let the praise begin now.
Let that bitter thirst end now.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061226.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry