Weekly Meditation

Last Friday we celebrated the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The heart symbolizes love. This feast reminds us of God's profound love for us. God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son. Jesus so loves us that he offered himself for us and our redemption. All this challenges us to love as Jesus taught us and as he lived it himself.

Last Thursday in the Liturgy of the Hours we prayed using some Moral Reflections of Pope St. Gregory, the Great. He offers some well formed words for us to think about again and again.

"Listen to Truth speaking of this law: This is my commandment, that you love one another.  Listen to Paul: The whole law is summed up in love; and again: Help one another in your troubles, and you will fulfill the law of Christ.

"The law of Christ---does anything other than love more fittingly describe it?...Why?... Because love's lively concern for others is reflected in all the virtues...Paul gives a good summary of its various aspects. Love is patient and kind; it is never jealous or conceited; its conduct is blameless; it is not ambitious, not selfish, not quick to take offense;  it harbors no evil thoughts, does not gloat over other people's sins, but is gladdened by an upright life.

"The man ruled by this love shows his patience by bearing wrongs with equanimity; his kindness by generously repaying good for evil. Jealousy is foreign to him....Since he loves others as himself,  he takes as much pleasure in whatever good he sees in them as if the progress were his own."

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us..........make our hearts like unto Thine.

Bishop William R. Houck
President Emeritus, Catholic Extension