His Infinte Love

 John 19: 31-37

Jesus' Side Is Pierced

³¹ Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. ³² So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. ³³ But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. ³⁴ But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. ³⁵ He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. ³⁶ For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” ³⁷ And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

On this Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we focus on the infinite love of Jesus for us. The image of the pierced heart with the drainage of blood and water gives us a visual of Jesus's complete emptying of his life in order to bring life to us. Early Church writers saw the blood as a figure of the Holy Eucharist, and the water as a symbol of the waters of Baptism which give us new life in Christ. Those waters continue to flow to this day to each newly baptized person and serve as a reminder of the waters that continue to sustain all the baptized.  "There is no greater love, than that of one who lays down his life for his friends (others)."  (Jn 15:13). In Jesus we see that love  and are reminded that we are called to share that love with others. Jesus, I don't think of your love or thank you enough for it. Help me to find time to reflect on it, cherish it and extend it to others, particularly "the least favored."

Bro. Rene