Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus June 16, 2023

Father Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Friday, Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

June 16, 2023, Matthew 11:25-30

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061623.cfm

Passionate Suffering Equals a Love like No Other

Any career calls for great passion and sacrifice. For some, that can mean years of college to get a degree. Think of the expense and hours spent on end studying into the early hours of the morning. But we do it.

Consider parents who decide one should stay home to care for their children. They sacrifice a career and a bigger paycheck. Other parents sacrifice much of their salaries to pay for an excellent daycare where their children are safe.

I didn’t consider it a sacrifice when I moved to England to complete my religious and priestly formation. For anything we are passionate about, we are willing to pay the price, whatever it may cost us.

So today, we celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We don’t see a heart as we do on Valentine’s Day cards or media outlets. Instead, we see a crown of thorns reminding us of His suffering before He died on the Cross.

We also see a flame above His heart, reminding us of His passionate love for us while we are still sinners. We don’t have to change for Jesus to love us. We must change from our sinful ways because He loves us so much.

Gospel Challenge:

Have we lost something of our passion for Jesus and His Body, the Church? Or we may need to ignite the flame of love for a family member, a co-worker, or a friend in the past. Before seeking out what we lost in a relationship, allow Jesus to seek out what we lost in Him. Embrace the heart of Jesus, the love you so much.

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC

www.bscchurch.com

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