the miracle of true love
"When they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. One of the soldiers thrust a lance into His side, and immediately blood and water flowed out." —John 19:33-34
Through our sins, we have partially caused Jesus' crucifixion and death. After we committed this worst of all crimes, Jesus immediately gave us blood and water, flowing from His pierced side. The blood represents the Eucharist, Jesus' body and blood. The water represents Baptism and eternal life. Thus, Jesus gave us the greatest gifts, Himself and eternal life, immediately after we participated in torturing and killing Him. In this awesome way, Jesus showed His love to us, who were His enemies and executioners (Rm 5:8). Jesus' love is crucified, forgiving, and unconditional.
On this solemn feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, let us consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart. This means that by God's grace we will love those who don't love us, who hurt us, and even keep hurting us. By God's grace, we will love by forgiving immediately those who have sinned against us and by giving generously to them, as the Lord leads us.
It is obviously humanly impossible to love as Jesus loves. Yet "nothing is impossible with God" (Lk 1:37). Consecrate yourself to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and receive the miracle of true love.
Prayer: Father, may I "grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love" (Eph 3:18-19).
Promise: "With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation." —Is 12:3
Praise: All praise, honor, thanksgiving, and glory be to the Sacred Heart of Jesus!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Sacred Heart on audio AV 19-1 or video V-19.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 2014
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