Additional Information about the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Readings for the Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus [1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9
Thus says the LORD:
When Israel was a child I loved him,
out of Egypt I called my son.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
who took them in my arms;
I drew them with human cords,
with bands of love;
I fostered them like one
who raises an infant to his cheeks;
Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,
they did not know that I was their healer.
My heart is overwhelmed,
my pity is stirred.
I will not give vent to my blazing anger,
I will not destroy Ephraim again;
For I am God and not a man,
the Holy One present among you;
I will not let the flames consume you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9
The Prophet Hosea speaking with God’s voice uses the metaphor of a parent’s love for a child to express God’s love for the people of Israel and Ephraim. With love, says the prophet, God sees a child who turns away from their parent, turning their backs upon Him and sacrificing to other gods. In spite of this faithless behavior, Hosea’s oracle promises not to destroy them (again) by flames. (Note: in part d of v. 8 not included in the passage we read today, the prophet makes reference to Admah and Zeboiim: cities destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah (Deut 29:22)).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
R. (3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
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.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
This song of praise and thanksgiving takes the tone of a profession of faith; “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reading II: Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19
Brothers and sisters:
To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,
to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,
and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery
hidden from ages past in God who created all things,
so that the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known through the church
to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.
This was according to the eternal purpose
that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness of speech
and confidence of access through faith in him.
For this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Eph 3:8-12, 14-19
St. Paul’s dialogue on the unity of all the faithful in Christ is continued in this passage. The apostle pronounces Gentiles as coheirs to the salvation offered by God in Jesus and uses the analogy of the “body” to signify the degree to which all are united. He concludes this passage with a summary of the grace and richness offered in proclaiming Christ to the world using himself as example.
“The apostle prays that those he is addressing may, like the rest of the church, deepen their understanding of God's plan of salvation in Christ. It is a plan that affects the whole universe with the breadth and length and height and depth of God's love in Christ or possibly the universe in all its dimensions.”[4]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 19:31-37
Since it was preparation day,
in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,
for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,
the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken
and they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first
and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,
they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,
and immediately blood and water flowed out.
An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;
he knows that he is speaking the truth,
so that you also may come to believe.
For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled:
Not a bone of it will be broken.
And again another passage says:
They will look upon him whom they have pierced.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 19:31-37
This passage from St. John’s Gospel concerning the immediate aftermath of Jesus’ death focuses on the meaning these events have in light of the Messianic vision. The evangelist sees these events as further signs, confirming the identity of Christ as the Messiah. The first important note is the relationship between the death of Christ, the Sabbath, and Passover. The Lord’s death on Friday, the day before the Sabbath required that the Jews ask Pilate to have the bodies of the condemned removed. It was against Hebrew Law to have them exposed on the Sabbath.
Breaking the legs of the two thieves was a painful and brutal expedient means of hastening their deaths so they could be removed. We note the special importance placed upon fact that Jesus was already dead. The actions of the soldiers, first in not breaking his legs and then piercing his side with a lance are seen as fulfilling biblical prophecy concerning the Messiah. We also see the special emphasis placed upon the fact that when the soldiers thrust the lance into Jesus’ side water and blood flowed out. While there is medical support for this physical event, the Evangelist intends it to represent the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, both of which would have been understood by the early Christian community.
The fact that this was especially noted as an eye witness account is the Evangelists way of establishing the importance to these events as the fulfillment of prophecy. St John first quotes the Passover ritual laid out in Exodus 12: 46 and Numbers 9:12 which stipulate that the bones of the Passover sacrifice may not be broken. He then goes on making reference to Zechariah 12: 10, quoting “they shall look on him whom they have thrust through”.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
“Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his Passion, and gave himself up for each one of us: ‘The Son of God. . . loved me and gave himself for me.’ He has loved us all with a human heart. For this reason, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced by our sins and for our salvation, ‘is quite rightly considered the chief sign and symbol of that. . . love with which the divine Redeemer continually loves the eternal Father and all human beings’ without exception." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 478)
St. John’s account of the events immediately following the Lord’s death on the Cross provide the logic for the identity of the Messiah to those who care to trace Jesus’ predicted coming back to antiquity. The Evangelist takes pains to relate these events to insure that we see that the Lord’s death, while tragic, was pre-ordained – it had to happen and only God could have stopped it.
While the events so carefully laid out show us the inevitability of Christ’s death, we must look to other scripture to remind us of the intense love and forgiveness his death represented. There is a faint echo of that love expressed in Hosea as the people of God are analogized as beloved children. St. Paul attempts to give some sense of that great affection as he encourages the Church of Ephesus.
Ultimately we each must look at the lifeless body that once contained the spirit of God and understand the pain and suffering endured for us and for our salvation. Our comfort is this that this day we contemplate not so much how we have failed to love as Christ loved us, but rather his unfathomable love for us. If we think about how intensely our parents love us, and then understand that the Lord loves us even more completely, we begin to get an understating of that blessing that engulfs us. So beyond our comprehension is this immeasurable gift that we look to the Saints to describe their God-given visions of the warmth that comes from that ultimate source.
Today we pray once more that the Lord will help us love as he does, without judgment, without reserve in perfect acceptance of all we meet. We thank him for his example and ask for the strength for follow it, especially with those who most need to feel its warmth.
Readings for the Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus [1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Readings and Commentary:[3]
Reading 1: Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9
Thus says the LORD:
When Israel was a child I loved him,
out of Egypt I called my son.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
who took them in my arms;
I drew them with human cords,
with bands of love;
I fostered them like one
who raises an infant to his cheeks;
Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,
they did not know that I was their healer.
My heart is overwhelmed,
my pity is stirred.
I will not give vent to my blazing anger,
I will not destroy Ephraim again;
For I am God and not a man,
the Holy One present among you;
I will not let the flames consume you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9
The Prophet Hosea speaking with God’s voice uses the metaphor of a parent’s love for a child to express God’s love for the people of Israel and Ephraim. With love, says the prophet, God sees a child who turns away from their parent, turning their backs upon Him and sacrificing to other gods. In spite of this faithless behavior, Hosea’s oracle promises not to destroy them (again) by flames. (Note: in part d of v. 8 not included in the passage we read today, the prophet makes reference to Admah and Zeboiim: cities destroyed with Sodom and Gomorrah (Deut 29:22)).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
R. (3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
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.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
This song of praise and thanksgiving takes the tone of a profession of faith; “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reading II: Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19
Brothers and sisters:
To me, the very least of all the holy ones, this grace was given,
to preach to the Gentiles the inscrutable riches of Christ,
and to bring to light for all what is the plan of the mystery
hidden from ages past in God who created all things,
so that the manifold wisdom of God
might now be made known through the church
to the principalities and authorities in the heavens.
This was according to the eternal purpose
that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
in whom we have boldness of speech
and confidence of access through faith in him.
For this reason I kneel before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory
to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith;
that you, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones
what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Eph 3:8-12, 14-19
St. Paul’s dialogue on the unity of all the faithful in Christ is continued in this passage. The apostle pronounces Gentiles as coheirs to the salvation offered by God in Jesus and uses the analogy of the “body” to signify the degree to which all are united. He concludes this passage with a summary of the grace and richness offered in proclaiming Christ to the world using himself as example.
“The apostle prays that those he is addressing may, like the rest of the church, deepen their understanding of God's plan of salvation in Christ. It is a plan that affects the whole universe with the breadth and length and height and depth of God's love in Christ or possibly the universe in all its dimensions.”[4]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gospel: John 19:31-37
Since it was preparation day,
in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath,
for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one,
the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken
and they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first
and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead,
they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side,
and immediately blood and water flowed out.
An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true;
he knows that he is speaking the truth,
so that you also may come to believe.
For this happened so that the Scripture passage might be fulfilled:
Not a bone of it will be broken.
And again another passage says:
They will look upon him whom they have pierced.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commentary on Jn 19:31-37
This passage from St. John’s Gospel concerning the immediate aftermath of Jesus’ death focuses on the meaning these events have in light of the Messianic vision. The evangelist sees these events as further signs, confirming the identity of Christ as the Messiah. The first important note is the relationship between the death of Christ, the Sabbath, and Passover. The Lord’s death on Friday, the day before the Sabbath required that the Jews ask Pilate to have the bodies of the condemned removed. It was against Hebrew Law to have them exposed on the Sabbath.
Breaking the legs of the two thieves was a painful and brutal expedient means of hastening their deaths so they could be removed. We note the special importance placed upon fact that Jesus was already dead. The actions of the soldiers, first in not breaking his legs and then piercing his side with a lance are seen as fulfilling biblical prophecy concerning the Messiah. We also see the special emphasis placed upon the fact that when the soldiers thrust the lance into Jesus’ side water and blood flowed out. While there is medical support for this physical event, the Evangelist intends it to represent the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist, both of which would have been understood by the early Christian community.
The fact that this was especially noted as an eye witness account is the Evangelists way of establishing the importance to these events as the fulfillment of prophecy. St John first quotes the Passover ritual laid out in Exodus 12: 46 and Numbers 9:12 which stipulate that the bones of the Passover sacrifice may not be broken. He then goes on making reference to Zechariah 12: 10, quoting “they shall look on him whom they have thrust through”.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reflection:
“Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his Passion, and gave himself up for each one of us: ‘The Son of God. . . loved me and gave himself for me.’ He has loved us all with a human heart. For this reason, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced by our sins and for our salvation, ‘is quite rightly considered the chief sign and symbol of that. . . love with which the divine Redeemer continually loves the eternal Father and all human beings’ without exception." (Catechism of the Catholic Church, # 478)
St. John’s account of the events immediately following the Lord’s death on the Cross provide the logic for the identity of the Messiah to those who care to trace Jesus’ predicted coming back to antiquity. The Evangelist takes pains to relate these events to insure that we see that the Lord’s death, while tragic, was pre-ordained – it had to happen and only God could have stopped it.
While the events so carefully laid out show us the inevitability of Christ’s death, we must look to other scripture to remind us of the intense love and forgiveness his death represented. There is a faint echo of that love expressed in Hosea as the people of God are analogized as beloved children. St. Paul attempts to give some sense of that great affection as he encourages the Church of Ephesus.
Ultimately we each must look at the lifeless body that once contained the spirit of God and understand the pain and suffering endured for us and for our salvation. Our comfort is this that this day we contemplate not so much how we have failed to love as Christ loved us, but rather his unfathomable love for us. If we think about how intensely our parents love us, and then understand that the Lord loves us even more completely, we begin to get an understating of that blessing that engulfs us. So beyond our comprehension is this immeasurable gift that we look to the Saints to describe their God-given visions of the warmth that comes from that ultimate source.
Today we pray once more that the Lord will help us love as he does, without judgment, without reserve in perfect acceptance of all we meet. We thank him for his example and ask for the strength for follow it, especially with those who most need to feel its warmth.
Pax
[1] ALTRE
[2] The picture is “The Crucified Christ” by Pieter Pauwel Rubens, 1610-11
[3] Text of Readings is taken from the New American Bible, Copyright © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 1973, International Committee on English in the Liturgy, Inc. All rights reserved.
[4] See NAB footnote on Ephesians 3: 14-21
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