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Gospel Reading for June 07, 2024 – John 19: 31-37
NEVER CEASES
Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
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.
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When the heart stops beating, it stops pumping blood to the other organs through the veins, and unless emergency aid is done to restore the heartbeat, within a few minutes, the person will die. This is how important the heart is, to the rest of the body. We also use the expression, “the heart of the matter” which means that which is essential. Another expression is “at the very core” which means the very heart or essence of something.
The title “Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” is not about a body organ. It is about the very essence of the life that Jesus had to give so we may not die in sin. Throughout his ministry, he died so many deaths with the Pharisees and scribes always hounding him; he died so many deaths when he could not stop healing people who came to him even in the evening; he died so many deaths from the non-acceptance of his teachings and being persecuted for mingling with sinners; and as we all know, he had a slow and painful death on Calvary.
The title “Most Sacred Heart of Jesus” is about Jesus LOVING US despite our sinfulness. It is about his OVERFLOWING LOVE for all of us. It is the heart that NEVER CEASES to pump blood into the veins of Humanity so we may all live with God in eternity.
Lord Jesus, may we always strive to follow you instead of thrusting a lance into your side!
