FRIDAY OF THE 12TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Mystery of the day: Sorrowful
Celebration: Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Liturgical Colour: White
📚 Table of the Word
First Reading: Ezekiel 34:11–16
Second Reading: Romans 5:5b–11
Gospel: Luke 15:3–7
Theme: The Heart of Love and Mercy
Reflection
Today, the Church pauses within her Ordinary Season to contemplate the wounded yet ever-beating Heart of Jesus, the fountain of divine love and mercy with the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is not simply a devotional celebration; but that which enshrined in a deep theological reflection on the unfathomable love of God made flesh in Christ and poured out for humanity through His life, death, and resurrection. That is why in one of my thoughtful reflections, I consider this heart of our Lord to have gotten ear, that is He is not only loving us but listen to every bit of our trouble.
In the first reading, Prophet Ezekiel described this same heart as: "Tender heart of the Shepherd" (cf. Ezekiel 34:11–16). Here the Lord speaks through the prophet Ezekiel, saying, “I myself will pasture my sheep.” This promise is fulfilled in Christ, the Good Shepherdas St. Luke beautifully captures inn the gospel pericope; whose Sacred Heart seeks out the lost, binds up the wounded, and carries the weak.
The Heart of Jesus is not distant. It is deeply engaged in the reality of our suffering and brokenness. Like a shepherd among his flock, Christ seeks the stray and welcomes the repentant. His love is personal, pursuing, and persevering.
This shepherd imagery connects directly with today’s Gospel in Luke, where Jesus searches for the lost sheep, reflecting the same divine compassion.
While St. Paul in the course of the Second reading gives the résume of this loving gesture while saying: "Christ Died for Us While We Were Still Sinners" (see Romans 5:5b–11). This theological affirmation proves God's love for us in that, while we were still sinners Christ died for us; a move which is the essence of the Sacred Heart - a heart that love without condition and show mercy without limit.
However, the Gospel pericope presents us with the summary of this divine gesture of humility employing the image of a good Shepherd. According to Evangelist Luke, (cf. Luke 15:3–7) Jesus presents the parable of the lost sheep, one of the most tender images of His loving Heart. He says: “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents…”
This rejoicing reveals a God whose Heart is not indifferent, but moves with joy and emotion at the return of the lost.
To buttress this, Pope Francis in Misericordiae Vultus notes: “Mercy is the beating heart of the Gospel.”
This parable shows us that the Sacred Heart is not passive, it seeks, finds, and rejoices.
Beloved in Christ, as we celebrate with joy this great solemnity, let us be conscious that in times of fear, failure, or sin, the Sacred Heart assures us of God’s unfailing love. As St. Margaret Mary Alacoque heard from Jesus:
“Behold this Heart which has so loved men…”
Finally, we are invited to learn from the meekness and humility of the Heart of Christ (cf. Matthew 11:29). In a world often marked by indifference, let us cultivate compassion.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 27062025
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