J.M.J. Only God Himself knows how many spiritual writers, teachers and
preachers during the last twenty centuries have taken up the important
theme of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The subject of the Heart of
Christ is ever alluring and pertinent. Truly, it is a topic that cannot
be fully explored.
It makes eminent sense for us to consider often the Sacred
Heart of Jesus especially in our era that, sadly, is renown for its
friendship with sin. Sin is all around us. There is even a kind of
revelry, a boasting of sin that we find much too frequently.
Yet, despite the fascination for and submission to sin
present in our age, we remain filled with unshakable trust because the
Sacred Heart of Jesus is patient and merciful beyond measure. Christ
delights in extending His unparalleled compassion and forgiveness to
all, but particularly to those lost in sin.
When reciting the Litany of the Sacred Heart, we recognize
and profess Jesus' abundant goodness: "Heart of Jesus, patient and most
merciful." What more needs to be said? The Son of God--compassion
itself--desires that we live with Him forever in Heaven. He is patient
with us sinners and continually offers His mercy to us, trying to
persuade us that it is better to acknowledge humbly our sinfulness, bask
in His forgiveness and finally inherit Everlasting Life than to cling
stubbornly to the transitory, meaningless "pleasures" that evil affords
and suffer for all eternity in Hell.
By turning resolutely and confidently to Christ, we are
assured that we will be forgiven our sins, no matter how numerous or
grave. The Second Person of the Most Blessed Trinity became incarnate--He
took flesh--so that we could be free of our sins and enjoy authentic
liberty that eventually will blossom into that life-giving union with
Him in Paradise.
What an unfathomable treasure we have in the Sacred Heart of
Jesus! He is our God Who loves us, sustains us, nourishes us with His
Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Sacrament of the Most Holy
Eucharist and forgives our transgressions in the Sacrament of Penance.
Where would we be without the Heart of Christ? Hopelessly
laden with sin without any possibility of salvation--forever!
Jesus wants and expects that we will grow in our relationship
with Him. He wishes that we avail ourselves of prayer, the Sacraments,
Sacred Scripture, the Holy Rosary, spiritual reading, devotion to Our
Blessed Lady, Saint Joseph and the Angels and Saints, acts of charity
and mortification, almsgiving, etc. He realizes better than we what we
require in order to be more conformed to Him. It is as if His Sacred
Heart aches for every opportunity to show us how patient and merciful
He really is.
What are we waiting for? Why do we fear? We fly to the Heart
of Christ, aware that He is our refuge and strength Who is pleased to
give us what we lack.
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful, have mercy on us!
Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
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