Cardiac Muscle

Jun 10

On Friday, June 12, we celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This feast holds particular significance for us as Oblates, as we regularly consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart. Our spiritual connection to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, VHM, and to the Sisters of the Visitation places us within a rich tradition of devotion to the Heart of Christ.

Personally, however, I have often found it difficult to connect deeply with this feast. The imagery and devotion have not always resonated with me in a personal way. Yet in recent prayer, the Holy Spirit has been opening a new path of reflection for me regarding the Sacred Heart.

Of all places to begin, this feast brings me back to Anatomy and Physiology class with Fr. Doug Burns, OSFS, at DeSales University. What an unexpected place to start!

A brief lesson in physiology from memory! Cardiac muscle is unique within the human body. It exists only in the heart. While it possesses many fascinating characteristics, one in particular has captured my attention. Cardiac muscle does not fatigue. We have all experienced the burning sensation in our legs after running, climbing stairs, or exerting ourselves physically. Our skeletal muscles tire, weaken, and require rest. The heart is different. It is designed to keep beating. Day and night, year after year, it continues its work without growing weary.

In the Incarnation, Jesus shares with us a human heart. A heart fashioned to beat without ceasing. God reveals to us a heart made of cardiac muscle! A heart to love without end.

Yet I readily admit that I experience weariness, fatigue, restlessness, disappointment, and hurt. Scripture tells us that Jesus did as well. He knew sorrow, anguish, rejection, and grief. He wept at the tomb of Lazarus. He sweat blood in Gethsemane. He cried out from the cross.

What did not grow weary was His love.

As Oblates, we consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart not because our own hearts are unfailing, but because they often are failing. We bring our fatigue, our wounds, our discouragement, and our limitations. We hope in the Sacred Heart where love never grows weary and mercy never runs dry.