Homily - Friday, June 19, 2020
Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - Year A (Mt 11:25-30)
What is the origin of the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
What is the origin of the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus?
It began at the foot of the cross when the heart of Jesus was pierced by the Roman soldier. The Gospel tells us that his heart shed blood and water. Water is the symbol for baptism and blood is the symbol for Eucharist.
This heart draws us to him, this heart draws all humanity to him. Jesus himself, in speaking of his heart said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens. Become my disciples, for I am gentle and humble in heart.”
As we remember loved ones whom we have lost in this pandemic, as we remember families who are grieving, we can confidently entrust them to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who will meet each person with gentleness, tenderness, comfort, peace, and strength.
Let us take some time to offer up to the Lord our prayers for these intentions. After each intention, we will say: Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have trust in you.
℟ Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have trust in you.
For all those who have died since the beginning of the pandemic, because of COVID-19 or by any other cause, such as illness, accident, or tragedy, may they find infinite love and fullness of joy in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and rest for their soul in life eternal. Let us pray.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have trust in you.
For grieving families who were not able to be with loved ones in the last moments of their life, may they receive the grace to let go of them by placing them totally in the arms of Jesus and his gentle and humble heart. Let us pray.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have trust in you.
For those who are at the hour of their death, may they be open to an encounter with Jesus who knocks at the door of their heart. May they abandon themselves to his all-powerful goodness and inexhaustible mercy. Let us pray.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have trust in you.
For those who currently have COVID-19, for those whose treatments have been delayed because of the pandemic, for the sick who suffer and are discouraged, may they find in the divine heart of Jesus the comfort and courage to live and to love by abandoning themselves to Him in full trust. Let us pray.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have trust in you.
For those who are with the sick, families, loved ones, caregivers, doctors, nurses, health care assistants, administrators and support staff, may they find, by contemplating the pierced heart of Jesus, the fortitude to accompany, support and care while fighting the pandemic. Let us pray.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have trust in you.
Lord Jesus. You who are with the faithful, coming together here in love of your Sacred Heart, hear us and respond to our pleas, according to your will.
You who live and reign, for ever and ever. Amen.