| |
"I am God, not man" and "I will not give rein to My fierce anger" points to God as a nurturing parent, showing unconditional love and compassion to Israel. Prophet Hosea exemplifies this attribute in his love for his unfaithful wife, Gomer. Prophet Isaiah proclaims confidently the "wells of salvation" from which he will draw with joy. St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, declares Christ's immeasurable riches, unveiling the Father's hidden plan. And the blood and water flowing from Jesus' side carry symbolic meaning of the cleansing power of His sacrifice, the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist, and the birth of the Church.
The piercing of Jesus' side expresses the mystery of the immense love that Jesus has for each one of us; With His selfless sacrifice; He willingly endured the agony of the cross for the redemption of humanity. This boundless mercy and compassion is found in the heart of Jesus - the heart of God indeed.
Sr. Margaret Mary Alacoque, on Dec 27, 1673 was invited to contemplate this heart of Jesus: "Behold this heart which has so loved humankind." She experienced 3 great apparitions of the heart of Jesus, precisely 350 years ago. With Prophet Hosea, Prophet Isaiah, St. Paul, St. John the Evangelist, and all of us, we intone fittingly the Entrance antiphon for this august feast day:
"The designs of His Heart are from age to age, to rescue their souls from death, and to keep them alive in famine".
|
|
DAILY OFFERING
|
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day jun be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
|
|
PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
|
INTENTION
For those fleeing their own countries - Let us pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys fraught with danger and violence, may find welcome and new living opportunities in their host countries.
Elaboration
|
|
