Today's heavy-handed "woes" to the Pharisees and all who impose heavy burdens of guilt and demanding religious practice (Lk 11:42-46) demonstrate his desire for merciful love, which in the 17th century was made very clear and tangible through the devotion to his Sacred Heart fostered by a cloistered nun, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and her spiritual director St. Claude de la Colombiere. . Jesus appeared several times to St. Margaret Mary with his flaming heart visible on his breast as a sign of his immense love for all of us, Images of the Sacred Heart adorn homes, schools, and churches, many of which bear the name, Sacred Heart. Devotion to the Sacred Heart helped reform the Church in France and around the world, as emphasis was placed on the love and mercy Jesus has for us. The practice of attending Mass on nine consecutive First Fridays, is still held dear, and followed faithfully as a way to recall Jesus's love and to spread it to others. May we use today to spread that mercy and love rather than impose unbearable burdens on others.
Bro. Rene
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