Sometimes, I think we don’t realize the profound identity of our Lord. Our Lord is a relentless Father, who has been seeking after us since before we were even born. It is He who teaches us how to walk in His ways, and it is only through His Spirit that we continue to be able follow Him. He wants to hold us always close to His heart, even when we feel more like being rebellious. And yet even when we are furthest from Him, like the prodigal son, the Lord always longs for and rejoices in our love and returning home to Him. He continues to feed us and nourish us with His own Body and Blood, yet sometimes we do not even recognize or acknowledge His presence in our lives. He is at the same time our Father and healer, and He always knows just what we need.

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. The Sacred Heart continues to reveal to us the true meanings of love, sacrifice, and mercy. These concepts are not merely nice sentiments but cut to the root of our very being. Love is not real without sacrifice. From the sacrifice of this Heart came our salvation, and in the Sacred Heart, we find an infinite ocean of mercy.

In a homily on this same feast day in 2013, Pope Francis said, “It is more difficult to let God love us than to love Him! The best way to love Him in return is to open our hearts and let Him love us.” Today, I challenge you to open your heart to God. God is love, and His Heart beats for each one of you. May the Sacred Heart be our refuge, now and forever.

Do you let God love you? Do you recognize that His heart is on fire with love for you?

Is there something holding you back from loving God? What keeps you from giving Him your whole heart?

In what ways are you willing to sacrifice in love for someone else?

"I am loved."

"Jesus sacrificed for love of me."

​"Jesus' heart is on fire for me."

Take time today to open your heart to the love of God for you. Be open to the all consuming fire of his Sacred Heart for you! He loves you more than you could even imagine! Sit with him and ponder His love for you.