As a Solemnity of the Lord in Ordinary Time this feast speaks of an aspect of the Lord which has emerged from tradition over time. It is not directly attested to in holy Scripture. Like the dogmas of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption such doctrine helps to correct error and edifies us by pointing out the implications of the scriptural data, especially when it comes to confounding heretics. Today's feast repudiates the harsh, puritanical and pessimistic heresy of Jansenism. By looking at the gospels from the three year cycle we can deduce that the heart of our Lord and Saviour burns with love for us. His love for us is not predicated on moral perfection rather it arises from the very nature of God himself. Jesus says, of himself, in Year A: "... for I am gentle and humble in heart," (Mtt 11: 29) while in Year B we hear of how the Lord's heart was pierced on the cross: "... and at once blood and water came out." (Jn 19: 34) In Year C the image is the Good Shepherd who upon finding the lost sheep: ""... calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.' " (Lk 15: 6) Thus, especially for us who are of Irish descent, the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, along with the Immaculate Heart of Mary, is an opportunity to ensure that all traces of Jansenism are purged from our faith. In doing so we will experience more fully the joy of the Gospel and be empowered to share it with others.
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