7 June, 2024 | Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

 Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9, Eph 3:8-12, 14-19

Gospel Jn 19:31-37

Since it was preparation day,

in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,

for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,

the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken

and they be taken down.

So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first

and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.

But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,

they did not break his legs,

but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,

and immediately blood and water flowed out.

An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;

he knows that he is speaking the truth,

so that you also may come to believe.

For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled:

Not a bone of it will be broken.

And again another passage says:

They will look upon him whom they have pierced.

Reflection: 

The crucifixion and death of Jesus are as profound as  extraordinary.  For a person who is as pure and holy, unblemished and utterly sacred as the Son of God, to be humiliated  as if he was a thief and criminal, is neither just nor justice.

Yet the Son of God wanted himself to be tortured and persecuted, torn and crucified, such that there is no other who could suffer to such an extent, ever.  Just as the glory of God is inexplicable so also the misery that he suffers is most excruciatingly unsurmountable.  They are two extremes which cannot be touched by anyone.  The testing of God’s love that we continue through our sins causes a continuation of the cycle of suffering, death and resurrection through which God renews his covenant of love.

The solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is a call for us to appreciate and exalt God’s eternal covenant of love and for us to offer our reparation for all the sins committed against it by humanity. 

Activity: 

Have an intimate conversation with Jesus and offer him consolation for the sufferings he undergoes because of our sins.  Offer as many works of reparation that are possible today and every day for the conversion of hearts and souls.