Homily for Friday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle II
Theme: Cast your burden upon the Lord
By: Fr. Benny Tuazon
Homily for Friday June 19 2020
(Mt.11:25-30) Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
In today’s Gospel Jesus invites those who are experiencing heavy burdens and laboring in their lives. To be a follower is not an easy task. There are challenges and sacrifices involved in witnessing to the faith. Couple that with trying to survive through the requirements of life, it becomes physically and spiritually tiring. Jesus offers Himself and His teachings as sources of rest and consolation.
The feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus used to be a very popular devotion. It was started by the Jesuits in response to the Jansenist teaching that we have been unworthy of the Lord who is holy. As a result, many did not go to communion. Unless one was worthy, that is, free from sin, one did not have the privilege of relating God much more receiving Him. The Jesuits, in response, promoted the love of Jesus which was best represented with His heart. Precisely, as in the Gospel, the heart of Jesus is for all, sinner or saint. All are encouraged to come to Him and be converted by His loving and forgiving heart. The readings of today reflects God’s abiding and universal love.
This feast is a good follow up to the Solemnity of the Sacred Body and Blood of Christ which was celebrated last Sunday. Everything begins with the meditation and appreciation of God’s love for us. Knowing and accepting His love brings us to the appreciation of the repercussions of sin. But the same love will give us hope. Our relationship with God cannot be ended by sin. God’s love is way over greater than sin. Thus, when we are in sin, we may feel ashamed and wanted to run away from God, but the best thing is to approach Him so we can express our contrition, be forgiven, and renew our relationship with Him. God does not agree with sin. Yet, He welcome sinners who are willing to repent and change their ways. Was it Jesus who also said that the joy in heaven is great for one sinner who repent?
We have a loving God. The heart of Jesus burns with desire to embrace us. Together with that capacity to love is to forgive and give second chances. Mercy and compassion are at the heart of the Heart of Jesus.