Friday 24 June

The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Ezekiel 34:11-16; Psalm 23: 1-3a, 3b–6; Romans 5:5-11; Luke 15:3-17

Pain born of love

The wounded heart of Jesus is a powerful symbol of both pain and love. His love for his Father and for us led him inexorably to the cross. Jesus’ wounded heart teaches us, reminds us that not all pain should be avoided. To do so would be to leave us less than human. For pain born of love is infinitely different to pain born of sin. Pain born of love stretches us, turns us outward; pain born of sin cramps us, turns us inward. The Sacred Heart of Jesus brings us face-to-face with the cost of discipleship.