Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
On this Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the readings emphasize God’s love for us. Displayed through divine patience, understood through the fulfillment of Scripture and poured out through Jesus’ body, God’s eternal love calls us to be patient, grateful, and joyful.
Each time I read this Gospel passage about blood and water flowing forth from Jesus, I cannot help but reflect on my own experiences of pouring forth blood and water during childbirth. While my blood and water bring forth life for the one child in my body, the blood and water pouring forth from Jesus bring life and salvation to all. The work of giving life, whether for one child or for all of humanity, does not stop with the experience of blood and water. Rather, the work is just in the beginning stages. As the Lord reflects on Israel as a child in the first reading, we see how much time and dedication is required to share lovingly in the growth of a child - teaching them to walk, fostering and feeding them. The image of raising an infant to one’s cheek is intimate and gentle, a physical reminder that the child is held, known, and loved. Yet, in this passage, the Lord goes on to say “they did not know that I was their healer.” As children of God, we still have so much to learn.
As we journey together, helping one another grow into our roles as sons and daughters of God, the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus reminds us of God’s mercy, patience, and protection. In recognition of these gifts, we are called to “draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation” (Is 12:3). I especially love this image because drawing water is a necessary, but seemingly mundane task. If we are called to draw water joyfully, might we also wash dishes joyfully, fold laundry joyfully, change diapers joyfully and grocery shop joyfully? May all of our necessary, but mundane, tasks be filled with the joy of knowing that God is our savior and may we exhibit the same mercy, patience, and protection that God has shown to us.
Go Joyfully,
LeeAnn Meyer