The Beating Heart of Jesus

During the month of June we honour in a very special way the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Devotion to the Sacred Heart was, and remains, one of the most widespread and popular in the Church.

Sacred Scripture tells of the nature of the heart of Jesus. The Beating Heart of Jesus

We read, “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” – Matthew 11:29. Jesus defines himself as gentle/meek and humble in heart. Gentle (or meek) points to Jesus' attitude towards others; it is the horizontal dimension whereby he interacts with persons with a courageous but non-violent approach, a truly merciful demeanour, always ready to forgive. But he is also demanding and challenging - as true, authentic love is.

Humble indicates the vertical plane, the obedient and peaceful attitude. It is an interior, free, generous and authentic quality of the heart which is lifegiving and which brings about peace.

This month, we would do well to consider how exactly are we living out these two prime virtues of Jesus’ heart and how do we let ourselves be challenged by His love by growing in these same virtues. Am I a truly meek and humble individual? Are my relationships based on the gentle love of Christ? Is my work in the Society humble and therefore life-giving and transforming?

Then we read, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” – Matthew 5:8. Here we see the heart as a symbol of spiritual and moral interiority; it designates the profound and personal dimension of our faith relationship with God and with others as opposed to mere superficiality and exteriority.

The pure of heart are those who know how to accept the teachings of Christ, the very Person of Christ, those living the Gospel. It reminds us that a pure heart is what admits us to heaven. Heart indicates the centre of the person where sentiments and intentions dwell. In the Heart of the Redeemer we adore God's love for humanity, His will for universal salvation, His infinite mercy.

As we journey through this month, perhaps it would benefit us to take a look at our heart and see how pure it really is. Does my heart yearn for the living God? How precious is it for me to do His will over and beyond all others? Am I attached in unhealthy and slavish ways to my own idols, ideas and ways of doing that are not of God? Is purity of mind, heart and body what I strive for daily?

Then, especially for followers of St. Vincent, we must look at the many broken hearts we experience daily, at times even our own. Psalm 34:18 teaches that: "The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”. Our human condition is such that, from time to time, we feel as if our heart has been broken to pieces, exhausted and helpless.

It might be a sense of betrayal from another, the loss of someone special, the end of a relationship, the injustices we witness, and so many other reasons. Going out of ourselves and mending someone else’s broken heart is an aged-old spiritual remedy for restoration of own wounded heart, as well as helping to heal the world as we know it.

To live in this world as a follower of the Crucified Lord Jesus means to enter willingly and generously into the misery, pain and brokenness of the other, lovingly trying to bring the healing of our presence and compassion. The Lord works his marvels in us, to heal us, as we get busy healing others. It is the work of healing grace.

Christ intends primarily to heal the heart, my heart, your heart, and the heart of each person; God changes the world by transforming our hearts, and this he cannot do without us. The Lord wants us to open the door of our hearts, in order to enter into our lives. We must open our hearts to him. For when God finds an open and trusting heart, then he can work wonders there.

Jesus calls us to bind ourselves to His heart. Binding ourselves to the heart of Jesus invites us to consider his love for Our Heavenly Father and for the world and act in and through his love. Every time we look at the Cross we see the selfless and gifted love of Jesus.

Christ’s Sacred Heart is the only symbol we need in reaching out and assisting our contemporaries – men, women and children. In doing so we show Christ’s love for them. May we sincerely reflect the love of Christ in all that we do and with all those whom we encounter.

Blessed be His most Sacred Heart!

Deacon John Girolami
Spiritual Advisor
SSVP Ontario Regional Council