A Heart Bursting with Love

 

Studies for the priesthood traditionally begin with a college course in Classical Philosophy. This is because many of the terminologies and concepts used by the Church to express its doctrines, dogmas and moral teachings are based on the distinctions made by Plato and Aristotle as interpreted in the Christian sense by St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. A branch of Classical Philosophy that deals with the philosophical principles on God is called “Theodicy.” We had a wonderful time discoursing on this subject with our professor, Fr. Josefino J. Javellana, SSP. We marveled as we tried to understand the various aspects of God’s transcendent and powerful nature. He is more than the sum total of all possible human perfections!

The Sacred Scriptures and Theology, however, reveal to us a completely different nature of God, all due to the ministry of Jesus who, though truly God as the Father, came and lived as one who is also 100 percent human. Though powerful and majestic, God is love. From Jesus in the course of His three-year earthly ministry, the Gospel of Mark quotes these words: “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd.” The feast and devotion to the Sacred Heart expresses the biblical revelation that God is love. The images and pictures of Jesus holding out or pointing to His wounded heart simply serve to illustrate the great mystery on the Cross. Scholars say that the flowing out of blood, then water, from the pierced side of Jesus are indicative of a ruptured heart. The pain and the anxiety that Jesus bore out of love for us on the Cross made His heart burst.

As we celebrate today the Solemn Feast of the Sacred Heart, be embraced by God’s overflowing love. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 

Reflection Question:

Is my heart bursting with love for God and for others?

 

“O Jesus, Divine Master, I thank and bless Your most meek heart which led You to give Your life for me. Your blood, Your wounds, the scourges, the thorns, the cross, Your bowed head tell my heart: ‘No one loves more than He who gives His life for the loved ones.’ The Shepherd died to give life to the sheep. I, too, want to live my life for You. Grant that You may always, everywhere and in all things, dispose of me for Your greater glory. May I always repeat: ‘Your will be done.’ Inflame my heart with holy love for You and for souls.”

 

St. Gall, pray for us.