My dear parishioners,
Peace! The Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions the Heart of Jesus variously. “Scripture is a unity by reason of the unity of God’s plan, of which Christ Jesus is the center and heart, open since His Passover. The phrase ‘heart of Christ’ can refer to Sacred Scripture, which makes known His heart, closed before the Passion, as the Scripture was obscure” (CCC, 112; cf. Luke 24:25-27, 44-46; Psalm 22:14). how in view of the incarnation He loves with a human heart, and “the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced by our sins and for our salvation ‘is quite rightly considered the chief sign and symbol of that … love with which the divine Redeemer continually loves the eternal Father and all human beings’ without exception” (cf. CCC, 470, 478; John 19:34; Pius XII Encyclical Haurietis aquas). One part of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the Twelve Promises of the Sacred Heart. Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, VHM (+1690) mystically received the promises. Here we consider the second of the twelve promises: I will give peace in their families.
Is there any one of us who do not want peace in our families? The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the source of peace between Heaven and Earth. The last thing the devil, the father of lies, wants is peace and harmony within our families (cf. Saint John 8:44). The prince of darkness seeks to cast his shadow over our familial relations (cf. Ephesians 5:11). But the Lord Jesus, Who is “the way, the truth and the life” has overcome the devil, his lies and darkness, giving us victory over sin and death and granting us by grace and faith the light of life (cf. Saint John 8:12; 12:46; 16:33; 1 John 1:5). The burning flame atop the image of the Sacred Heart should remind us of this
There are various sins which divide us and our families. Pride (including belittling others as less than we are) divides our families (cf. 1 John 2:16; Proverbs 16:18). Envy (including comparing housing, wardrobe, lifestyle) divides our families (cf. James 3:16). Greed (including posturing for inheritance) divides our families (cf. Proverbs 15:27; 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Sloth divides our families (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:8-10; Hebrews 6:12). Gluttony (including drinking alcohol in excess) divides our families (cf. Romans 16:18; Philippians 3:19; 2 Timothy 3:4). Lust (including pornography and promiscuity) divides our families (cf. Proverbs 6:25; Saint Matthew 5:28; Galatians 5:16; 1 John 2:16). Wrath (including over burnt toast and towels on the floor) divides our families (cf. Ephesians 4:26; James 1:20).
The mercy held out to us by the Sacred Heart of Jesus, by devotion to Him, is no less available to the other members of our families. The will of God for us includes the eternal bliss of Heaven. When we can live in peace here below with our families our hereafter is all the more secure (cf. Saint Matthew 5:9; 22:39; Saint Mark 12:31).
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr