The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

A rare combination occurs today, The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the First Friday of July. First Friday devotions, Mass and Holy Communion for nine First Fridays resulted from the devotion to the Sacred Heart promoted by St. Claude de la Colombiere based on the revelations of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in Paray-le-Moniale in Southern France in 1673. The love of Jesus is displayed by the burning heart visible on his breast. No words can really describe that love; poets refer to it as "love that never fails,/Sun that never dims,/Beauty that never pales; St. John says, "In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as expiation for our sins." (1 Jn 4: 10) If follows then, that "if God so loved us, we also must love one another." (1 Jn 4: 11).
What beautiful thoughts with which to begin the month of July with Independence day celebrations, fireworks and family barbecues a few days away, and family vacations slated for many in the weeks ahead. It is a time of rest and relaxation, of "repairing whatever in us is weary or broken" and for reviving our drooping spirits. As Fr. Peter John Cameron prays, "Let this be a graced time of recollection and rejuvenation, of deeper self-awareness, and eager self-giving. May it be an occasion of refreshment and reinvigoration--a time to reclaim friendship with Jesus Christ, who is our Lord now and forever. Amen." (Magnificat, July, page 15)
Bro. Rene
P.S. I will be taking such a vacation so don't look for any Bread except for July 5, until July 9th.
Let the 4th of July be a time to remember our ideals, values, love of country, and those who are serving here and overseas to preserve what we hold sacred and undeniable as written in our Constitution.