DAILY- HOMILY

June 8, 2018 – FRIDAY, THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Solemnity. Cycle B. White.

Hos 11: 1, 3- 4, 8c -9 / Eph 3: 8- 12 I Jn 19: 31 – 37

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was first celebrated in Rennes, France on 31 August 1670, through the efforts of St.. John Eudes (1602 - 1680). The "great apparition" of the Sacred Heart to St. Mary Margaret Alacoque (1647 - 1690) on 16 June 1875 is the main impetus for the modern devotion to the Sacred Heart. Officially celebrated in France by 1785, the Feast of the Sacred Heart was extended to the universal Church by Pope Pius IX in 1856.

FROM THE 1ST READING:             Hos 11: 1, 3 - 4

I loved Israel when he was a child; out of Egypt I called my son....

Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking him by the arms; yet little did they realize that it was I who cared for them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with leading strings of love, and I became for them as one who eases the yoke upon their neck and stoops down to feed them.

2ND READING: Eph 3: 8- 12

This grace was given to me, the least among the holy ones, to announce to the pagan nations the immeasurable riches of Christ and to make clear to all how the mystery, hidden from the beginning in God, the Creator of all things, is to be fulfilled.

Even the heavenly forces and powers will now discover through the Church the wisdom of God in its manifold expression, as the plan is being fulfilled which God designed from the beginning in Christ Jesus, our Lord. In him we receive boldness and confidence to approach God.

GOSPEL READING:           Jn 19: 31 - 37

As it was Preparation Day the Jews did not want the bodies to remain on the cross during the sabbath, for this was a very solemn day. They asked Pilate to have the legs of the condemned men broken, so they might take away the bodies.

The soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man and of the other who had been crucified with Jesus. When they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead; so they did not break his legs. One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a lance and immediately there came out blood and water.

The one who had seen here gives his witness so that you may believe: his witness is true and he knows that he speaks the truth. All this happened to fulfill the words of Scripture, Not one of his bones shall be broken. Another text says, They shall look on him whom they have pierced.

REFLECTION

Devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most widely practiced and well-known practices in the Church, taking Christ's Heart as the representation of God's love for humanity, of Christ's unconditional love for us.

They say that, if you love with all your heart, you will do anything and everything to make the loved one happy. The heart has long been the symbol of love and life. It is difficult to define or explain love. One definition says, "It is an itch that cannot be scratched." When you love, you want to reveal everything about yourself. Jesus showed his love for all, for each one of us. Jesus loved us and gave his life for the ransom of many: "this is my blood, the blood of the Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." (Mt 26: 28)

Jesus message of love includes love of enemies. How can we love our enemies? On the cross, Jesus forgave those who crucified him, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they do." (Lk 23: 34) "But see how God manifested his love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom

5: 8)

God showed his special care for Israel, his chosen people. In the first reading Hosea shows God's tender fatherly love for Israel.

Throughout his public ministry Jesus acted out of love, a love that included everyone. He preached to them, healed and forgave their sins, restored their dignity as human persons. We are promised eternal life if we keep his commandments and abide in his love.

WE PRAY FOR MTQ DAILY PRAYER INTENTIONS:

BIRTHDAY 

     Adelaida Lombos 

THANKSGIVING 

     Vicente & Marietta Co Chien 

IN MEMORIAM (+)

     Siu Eng Gan

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most. 

Have a good day!

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