The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (C)

 Ezek. 34:11-16; Rom. 5:5b-11; Lk. 15:3-7

My dear brothers and sisters

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Devotion to the heart pierced on Calvary is nearly as old as Christianity, but it has undergone many changes over the centuries. Patristic writers saw in the blood and water issuing from the crucified Lord’s side (John 19:34) the fulfilment of his promise to give living water (John 4:13–14; 7:37), the fountain from which the Spirit flows upon the Church.

The public cult celebrated today began in the seventeenth century, when Saint John Eudes pressed for a liturgy (Mass and Office) of the Sacred Heart. In 1672, Christ appeared to a French Visitation nun, St. Margret Mary Alacoque. Over a series of visits, Our Lord revealed to St. Margaret Mary the importance of devotion to His Sacred Heart. He asked that His heart, wounded on the cross and continually wounded by ingratitude of men for his sacrifice for them, be venerated and adored as an embodiment of His Divine mercy and love.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (C)

 Gen. 14:18-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; Lk. 9:11b-17

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, the Church celebrates one of the most sacred and profound feasts of our liturgical year—the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, also known as Corpus Christi. This feast stands as a luminous beacon in our calendar, directing our hearts and minds to the central mystery of our faith: that Christ is truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity—in the Most Holy Eucharist. It is a feast of remembrance, of thanksgiving, and of renewal, commemorating Jesus' self-giving love, His sacrificial death, and His continuing presence among us.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324). In this sacrament, we don’t just receive grace—we receive Christ Himself. And in doing so, we are transformed. A well-known saying encapsulates this mystery: “You are what you eat.” In the Eucharist, this takes on an eternal and sacramental meaning:

Spiritual Satisfaction

Spiritual growth and satisfaction are important in our spiritual journey. Very often we are concerned only about our psychological satisfaction not spiritual. The number of prayers, novenas and spiritual activities gives us a spiritual satisfaction. These are only a preparatory actions. The love, commitment and communication with God speak of our relationship with Him. It gives us spiritual satisfaction.