Today we are celebrating the feast of the Sacred Heart. It’s a feast that celebrates the love that is the core and foundation of the Christian life. It reminds us that we are called into being by love, for love’s sake, to live in love and to share that love with others.
In the first reading, from the book of Deuteronomy, Moses the people of this, saying to them:
“The Lord set his heart on you and chose you…”
This choice is not made because of any power, wealth, talent or skill that the people had. It’s a choice made purely out of love. In his first letter St John takes this a step further. He reminds us that we too called by and held in love. He adds on that this love should change as so that we learn to love one another as much as God loves us:
“Since God has loved us so much, we too should love one another.”
His are call to action. While it is good to be aware being held in God’s love, it is not enough. That knowledge should lead us to reach out to others in love. In the gospel Jesus shows us a practical way of making that a reality. He says to his disciples:
“Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.”
In our harsh and challenging times this feast offers us the opportunity to reflect on what we might do to lighten the burdens and give rest to the people we encounter in daily life.
As we celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart where are you able to lighten the burdens of those around you?
