Friday, June 30, 2000
> >Solemnity of the Sacred Heart
(World Day of Prayer
for the holiness of Priests)
the heart of holiness
"Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love." —Ephesians 3:18-19
Pope John Paul II has asked that, on the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Church pray for priests to be holy. Holiness is the character of God. He commands us to be holy as He is holy (1 Pt 1:16). We must be holy in every aspect of our conduct (1 Pt 1:15). He commands us to strive "for that holiness without which no one can see" God (Heb 12:14).
We became holy when we were baptized into Christ (see Rm 6:3). We grow in holiness when we pray the Holy Mass and receive Holy Communion. After Jesus, the Holy One, died on the cross, His side and possibly His heart were pierced. "Immediately blood and water flowed out" (Jn 19:34). The blood of the Eucharist and the water of Baptism flowed from the Holy One. By living our Baptisms and frequently receiving the Eucharist, we have the heart of holiness.
Pray to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for priests to grow greatly in holiness by renewing their Baptisms, living the Mass, and being faithful to their ordination promises. As we help priests grow in holiness, then they will help us grow in holiness. Then the Sacred Heart of Jesus will leap for joy.
Prayer: Sacred Heart of Jesus, make my heart like Yours.
Promise: "My strength and my courage is the Lord, and He has been my Savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation." —Is 12:2-3
Praise: Inspired by the quote of St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars, that "the Priesthood of Jesus is the love of the heart of Jesus," Olivia prays daily to the Sacred Heart for priests.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 16, 1999
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 1999