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 eighth of the twelve promises: Fervent souls shall rise speedily to great perfection.
How often have we heard “only God is perfect”? We hear it precisely because of Romans 3:23 “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Saint Teresa of Jesus of Avila (+1582), named a Doctor of the Church by Bl. Paul VI (1970), surely knew of this passage yet was not dissuaded in writing her Way of Perfection in forty-two chapters spanning more than three hundred pages. St. Teresa of Avila knew, as Saint Paul before her, that God’s “grace is sufficient” and “strength is made perfect in weakness” (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9). The Greek word telioo used by Saint Paul here is also translated as complete, accomplish, consummate, consecrate, finish, fulfill, and make perfect. The Hebrew word shalem translates similarly. The Greek word katartisis translates as thorough equipment as well as perfection. What is more, Psalm 18:30 is sometimes translated as “the way of the Lord is perfect” while 2 Samuel 22:31 echos the same sentiment “As for God, His way is perfect…” If we wallow in our sins and despair we are not showing either fervency or devotion to the Sacred Heart.
Part of the Sacred Heart devotion is fervent love for the Lord God and His holy will for us, our sanctification (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:3). Our devotion to Jesus’ most Sacred Heart is manifest when we follow the commandments of the Lord, by His grace at work in us. In this way it is the Lord who perfects us little by little. The Lord does not ask the impossible of us. “Be perfect, as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Let us join Saint Paul in praying for each other, for our perfection in Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:9). Let us show our fervent love for God and neighbor by keeping the commandments of the Lord (cf. Matthew 22:37-39; John 14:15; 15:10).
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr