A Heart filled with Love

     This morning, at a funeral blessing service for a parishioner, John Troy, his niece, Sissy, who could not be present, asked that a letter she wrote about her uncle be read.  It was a beautiful reflection on the man.

     She began by remembering how, as kids, we used to cut out paper hearts and express our sentiments about another, and give them to the person on valentine's day.  She mentioned the practice of carving a heart on a tree with the initials of the couple expressing their love for one another.  She spoke of how we know of people who wear their heart "on their sleeve".  And she mentioned that while these things are okay, they were unnecessary for her uncle, John.

     His heart was seen and known in a life lived well, rich in family and faith.  Everyone that knew him or dealt with him knew where his heart was.  He did not have to show it ... he lived it.  Good words and a great tribute.

     I mention it today because the Church celebrates the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on this day.  In artwork we need to portray the image of Jesus with his heart glowing on his chest.  Rays stream from the heart.  Sometimes he points to the heart.  There are often flames above the heart.  Facially he is often seen as pious and sweet.  I say "we need" to see him this way, but Jesus does not need to wear his heart on his sleeve to be known.

     In his heart, his Sacred Heart, is found our reason to be.  Rooted in pure love, he gave himself for us.  The love of his Sacred Heart encourages us to be all that we are called to be.  He did not have to point to his Sacred Heart ... he lived the love that it represents.

     I would like to conclude with the Alternate Opening Prayer from today's liturgy:

Let us pray that the love of Christ's heart
may touch the world with healing and peace ...

Father,
we honor the heart of your Son
broken by man's cruelty,
yet symbol of love's triumph,
pledge of all that man is called to be.
Teach us to see Christ in the lives we touch,
to offer him living worship
by love-filled service to our brothers and sisters.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.   AMEN.