On 28th June ’19, we will celebrate the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. For me this feast brings to mind, pictures of Jesus with a Heart burning with Love, surrounded by thorns, with a cross on the top to remind me of what Jesus suffered for my sake. The quiet, steady gaze of Jesus creates a thought in me “I am a sinner. My sins caused that suffering, that pain”. There is a moment of remorse. But sad to say, by the end of the day all is forgotten.
Going through the readings of 28th June, I find that the church has focused on God as the Good shepherd. In the first reading of Ezekiel 34: 11-16, Yahweh says, He will look after His flock. When he finds them scattered, gather them from where they are scattered; take them to good pastures; search for the lost ones and lead them back to the flock; bind the injured and strengthen the weak.
In the Gospel, Jesus endorsed this in His parable of the lost sheep and the celebration a shepherd will have when a lost sheep is found.
Psalm 23 is the psalm of the day. It is a deep and powerful one. If one would take time to meditate on each phrase of this psalm, one would receive at first a glimpse and later a deep understanding of God’s love and concern for each of us His sheep. It could transform our life, creating a new and unique relationship with Him, our Good Shepherd.
Just to dwell on the first line of this Psalm – “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want”. The words “I shall not want” does not mean I will never experience lack, hardships, and difficulties. More importantly it means I am content with the expert care of my Master. I do not crave or desire anything more.
Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd – the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep”. Once we make Jesus the Lord and Master of every area of our life, we will experience a deep sense of peace and quiet. When we put all our affairs in His hands we will be content. Because Jesus is on the job of looking after us 24 hours a day, to see that we are provided for in every detail. He knows all about our lives from morning to night. He knows our needs even before we ask.
I pray that on the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we may receive the grace to surrender our life to Jesus, who died on the cross for us, burning with love for us. He is always calling us “come to me…”. Let us accept this invitation without any fear or reservation and walk close besides Him, as His favourite sheep.
J. Rodrigues