his heart is running
"It is precisely in this that God proves His love for us: that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." —Romans 5:8
God became incarnate. He became a man. "In Jesus Christ God not only speaks to man but also seeks him out. The Incarnation of the Son of God attests that God goes in search of man. Jesus speaks of this search as the finding of a lost sheep (cf Lk 15:1-7). It is a search which begins in the heart of God and culminates in the Incarnation of the Word" (Towards the Third Millennium, Pope St. John Paul II, 7). God is the Good Shepherd, humbling Himself to the point that He runs after and pursues His lost sheep. The all-holy, almighty God empties Himself (see Phil 2:7) and chases after mere human beings. This humble love of God is revealed in the prophetic vision of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In imitation of the incarnate Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and His Sacred Heart, let us:
- humbly chase after sinners to show God's love for them,
- wash the feet of others (see Jn 13:4ff),
- open and expose our hearts to others (see 2 Cor 6:11-13), even in crucified vulnerability, and
- lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters in Christ and even for our enemies (1 Jn 3:16).
Jesus commanded and promised: "Take My yoke upon your shoulders and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble of heart" (Mt 11:29). Learn not only to love the Sacred Heart of Jesus but also to love as the Sacred Heart loves.
Prayer: Sacred Heart of Jesus, on this day devoted to prayer for the holiness of priests, I ask for Your mercy. I put my trust in You.
Promise: "The love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us." —Rm 5:5
Praise: The Sacred Heart of Jesus burns with love for you. Sacred Heart of Jesus, "all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine."
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 24, 2018
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