Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 27 June 2025
Most Sacred of Jesus – Solemnity
Ezekiel 34:11-16. Romans 5:5-11. Luke 15:3-7
Rejoice with Me
“Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!” (Luke 15:6)
On October 24, 2024, Pope Francis released his fourth encyclical titled Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”). What is the aim of this encyclical? (a) To understand the love of Jesus Christ; (b) To move beyond the surface of this world into the heart of life; and (c) To recognize the social and missionary responsibilities that flow from devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
A. Historical Background of the Feast
The early Church meditated deeply on the love and mercy of Christ. Church Fathers like St. Augustine and St. John Chrysostom wrote about the love shown through the pierced side of Christ.
In the medieval period, mystics like St. Gertrude and St. Mechtilde received visions and experiences of the merciful heart of Jesus.
The devotion to the Sacred Heart was especially spread by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690). Jesus appeared to her several times, revealing His Heart and inviting her to promote devotion. From this sprang practices such as repentance, Eucharistic adoration, First Fridays, consecration to the Sacred Heart, and the enthronement of His image.
Pope Pius IX declared this feast a universal celebration in 1856. Pope Leo XIII consecrated the world to the Sacred Heart in 1899. Pope Pius XI, in his encyclical Miserentissimus Redemptor (1928), taught the significance of this devotion to the global Church.
B. Devotional Practices
(a) Contemplating the Sacred Image: Gazing upon the image of the Sacred Heart and reflecting on its signs of love.
(b) Consecration to the Sacred Heart: Individuals and families entrust their lives to live in union with the Heart of Jesus.
(c) Acts of Reparation: Offering prayers and sacrifices to console the Heart of Jesus wounded by human sin.
(d) Eucharistic Adoration on First Fridays: Participating in Mass and receiving Communion in reparation, especially on the first Friday of each month.
(e) Enthronement in Homes and Workplaces: Installing the image of the Sacred Heart to make Christ visibly present in daily life.
(f) Praying the Sacred Heart Rosary or Litany: Devoting time to plead for His mercy and imitate His love.
C. Lessons from the Heart of Jesus
(a) Love in Action
In today’s first reading, the prophet Ezekiel speaks of God’s compassionate action toward the exiled people of Israel. God is shown not just as a loving presence but as one who searches, heals, and restores. Love is more than a feeling—it is a movement. St. Paul, in the second reading, reminds us: “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” When we receive God’s love, we are empowered to share it with others.
(b) Seeking the Lost
The Good Shepherd leaves the ninety-nine and searches until the lost sheep is found. He does not scold or condemn it, but joyfully carries it home on His shoulders. St. Augustine in Confessions writes of a God who waited for him in love, even while he wandered far. Likewise, God continues to search for us in the wilderness of our lives.
(c) Contrition and Conversion
Devotion to the Sacred Heart calls us to heartfelt sorrow, not guilt, but healing repentance. True conversion purifies our hearts and reconciles us with one another.
(d) Mission through Compassion
Journeying toward the Heart of Jesus leads us outward to others. Just as the Heart of Jesus bridges heaven and earth, we too are called to become bridges—connecting others to God’s love through our service.
Finally, the Sacred Heart speaks three messages to our hearts:
(a) He is the God who sees us: Let us place even a small image of His Heart before us, reminding us that His loving gaze is always upon us.
(b) He loves us without conditions.
(c) Even when we wound Him, He still loves us.
Pope Francis says, “It is easy to love God. But the real challenge is allowing Him to love us.” Let us open our hearts to that transforming love. On this feast day, let us enthrone the Sacred Heart of Jesus as the King of our homes and our hearts!
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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