Daily Reflection June 27, 2025, Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (C)

The Unfathomable Mercy of the Sacred Heart Ezek 34:11-16; Psalm: 22; Rom 5:5-11; Lk 15:3-7 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, we will reflect upon the unfathomable mercy of the Sacred Heart. This sacred heart is not merely a symbol; it is a profound testament to the divine love that seeks us out, heals our wounds, and celebrates our return. As we delve into the depths of this mercy, let us allow our hearts to be transformed by the truth that we find in Scripture. In Ezekiel 34 verses 11 to 16, we read about the Shepherd who searches for His flock. This passage speaks deeply of how God seeks the lost. Each of us, at some point in our lives, has wandered away from the path, perhaps feeling lost or broken. Yet, our Shepherd is relentless in His pursuit. He does not abandon us in our wandering. Instead, He seeks us with a fervent love that knows no bounds. Consider for a moment the image of a shepherd searching for a lost sheep. It is not just a casual glance over the hills. No, it is a passionate search filled with determination. This is the essence of our God. He seeks the lost, not out of obligation, but out of love. He longs to heal the broken and gather the scattered. When we feel fractured by our pain, our choices, or our circumstances, God’s mercy is there to mend our hearts and bring us back into the fold. This love poured out for us is beautifully captured in Romans 5 verses 5 to 11. Here, we see love poured in, a love that is especially for the undeserving. It is easy to love those who love us back, isn’t it? But the love of the Sacred Heart goes beyond our human understanding. It reaches out to those who feel unworthy, who feel beyond redemption. This is the love that reconciles us by blood. It is a love that embraces us in our most broken moments, reminding us that no sin is too great for His mercy. As we reflect on this profound love, let us remember that we do not earn this grace; it is freely given, a gift that transforms our very being. The Sacred Heart is a reminder that in our darkest moments, we are not alone. We are always met with mercy, and we are always welcomed home. Now, let us turn to the Gospel of Luke, specifically chapter 15, verses 3 to 7. Here we encounter the story of the lost sheep. Jesus shares this parable to illustrate the joy of the finding heart. Picture this: a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one that is lost. This is the relentless search of our Savior. He is burdened not by obligation but by love. His heart beats for every single one of us. When that lost sheep is found, there is great rejoicing. Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents. This joy is not just a fleeting emotion; it is a celebration of redemption. It tells us that every life matters. Every soul is precious. Our God does not measure our worth by our failures but by the love He pours into us when we turn back to Him. So, how do we respond to this unfathomable mercy of the Sacred Heart in our daily lives? First, we must be found. This means acknowledging our need for the Shepherd. It is an invitation to open our hearts and let His love pour in. Second, we must receive His love. Allow yourselves to be enveloped in the warmth of His mercy. Know that you are worthy of this love, no matter your past. Third, we are called to carry others. Just as the Shepherd searches for the lost, we are to embody that same love and compassion for those around us. We are to reach out to the broken, the lost, and the marginalized. Let us be conduits of His mercy. Fourth, we should rejoice in mercy. Celebrate the moments of grace in our lives. Let us not take for granted the joy that comes from being reconciled with God and with one another. Finally, we are invited to enthrone the Sacred Heart in our lives. Let His love be at the center of every decision we make. Let it guide our actions, our thoughts, and our relationships. Brothers and sisters, the unfathomable mercy of the Sacred Heart is a gift that we are called to share. Let us open our hearts to this mercy and allow it to transform us. Let us be instruments of love and healing in a world that so desperately needs it. May we always remember that we are found, we are loved, and we are called to rejoice in the mercy that flows from the Sacred Heart. Amen. St. John Chrysostom: "The measure of love is to love without measure. The heart of Jesus is wounded by love for us; to this wound, the nails have added other wounds, the thorns still others. O, what wounds of love!" St. Claude de la Colombière (Spiritual Director of St. Margaret Mary): "The devotion to the Sacred Heart is a remedy for the evils of the world... It is the fire which is to enkindle all hearts with divine love." www.rvammls.org