Feast of the Sacred Heart

Jun 12

First Image: V+J

St. Francis de Sales loved the Sacred Heart because it reflected better than anything else the undying love God holds for all people, no matter who they are or where they come from, without judgment, rejection, or punishment. It is why he wrote "VJ"- the abbreviation for "Vive Jesu" (French for "Live Jesus") at the top of every piece of paper on which he wrote. (He is the patron of writers, so that's a LOT of paper!) We should all strive to "Live Jesus" not merely speak of Him or about Him (often incorrectly these days.) The best way to preach the gospel is to live it.

Second image: "Heat speaks to heart. Lips only speak to ears.”

Another bit of wisdom with the same idea in mind: that listening to the Sacred Heart is about silently being aware of God's gentle and loving presence - especially when we don't particularly feel gentle and loving.

Third image:

Lastly, St. Francis offers great insight and wisdom when he said "We should do everything through love, and nothing through fear." Fear is the root and cause of all war, violence, cruelty, alienation, racism, and prejudice of any kind. To quote the Beatles, "All you need is love. Love is all you need."

Happy Feast of the Sacred Heart!