SACRED HEART OF JESUS

PRIESTS WITH THE HEART OF CHRIST

5 BRIEF POINTS FOR REFLECTION FROM THE MAGISTERIAL TEACHING OF POPE FRANCIS

On 4 August 2019, at the 160th Anniversary of the death of the holy Curé of Ars, Pope Francis sent a letter
directed at Priests, to thank them for their generous service and to encourage them to embrace their vocation
with love.
( Letter of His Holiness Pope Francis to Priests on the 160th anniversary of the Death of the Holy Curé of Ars, St
John Vianney 4 August 2019 )

In that precious writing, the Holy Father often used the word ‘heart’ from which we can begin a reflection and
meditation on the occasion of the Day of the Sanctification of Clergy, which is celebrated annually on the
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

1. Gratitude

“Thank you for the joy with which you have offered your lives, revealing a heart that over the years has struggles
and fought in order not to become closed and bitter, but on the contrary has grown daily in love for God and his
people -a heart that, like good wine, has not turned sour but become more exquisite with age. “For his mercy
endures forever”.”

A grateful heart

To be a priest according to the Heart of Christ means clothing ourselves with him to the point that we feel his
own feelings. Among many other virtues, the Heart of Jesus is open to gratitude. He is thankful to his Father for
the wonders he works visible to the eyes of the little ones, but hidden from those, on the other hand, who are
closed under the presumption of human wisdom and cannot see them. (cf. Mt 11:25) For this, gratitude is a
quality specifically Christian and must be part of being a pastor. St Paul exhorts thus: Always be joyful; pray
constantly; and for all things give thanks; (1 Thess. 5:16-18) The term from which translates ‘give thanks’ is
‘eucharistia’. The priest is assimilated into the heart of Christ in a special way in the Eucharistic celebration,
which unites with the Lord’s sacrifice of love for his People. At the same time, Pope Francis has often given
voice to the sentiments of gratitude of the People of God towards priests, for their generous service and the
offering of themselves.

2. Mercy

“On the ladder of mercy we can descend to the depths of our human condition – including weakness and sin –
and at the same time experience the heights of divine perfection: “Be merciful as the Father is merciful”. In this
way, we are “capable of warming people’s hearts, walking at their side in the dark, talking with them and even
entering into their night and their darkness, without losing our way”.

A merciful heart

As Jesus, travelled through villages and towns, healing and doing good to all who were prisoners of evil (cf. Acts
10:38) Jesus was not afraid to be contaminated by human fragility but rather, descended to the abyss of human
weakness and sin, to reveal the Father’s merciful heart which raises each one of his children from falls and calls
them to calls the joy of forgiveness. The name of God which Jesus reveals to us is ‘mercy’. In his homily during
the Holy Mass for the closure of the Jubilee of Mercy, the Holy Father affirmed that ‘the true door of mercy is the
Heart of Christ’.

The priest, configured to Christ , is above all the minister of mercy and reconciliation. Etched in his heart
memories of being looked at and called by the Lord, not for his own merits, and having each day the experience
of being touched by God’s mercy in all that lives and moves, he must become a welcoming sign of the love of
God which wants to reach all, in every situation of life, to heal from evil. We need priests with a merciful trait -
capable of receiving, listening and accompanying our brothers and sisters, especially in the Sacrament of
Reconciliation.

3. Compassion

Thank you for the times when, with great emotion, you embraced sinners, healed wounds, warmed hearts and
showed the tenderness and compassion of the Good Samaritan (cf. Lk 10:25-27). Nothing is more urgent than
these things: proximity, closeness, to be close to the flesh of our suffering brethren. How powerful is the example
of a priest who makes himself present and does not flee the wounds of his brothers and sisters! It mirrors the
heart of a shepherd who has developed a spiritual taste for being one with his people.

A compassionate heart

The Gospels narrate often that Jesus, at the sight of the tired and oppressed crowds, felt deep compassion (cf.
Mt 9:36). In fact, he felt moved interiorly particularly, when he encountered pain and suffering resulting from
illness, marginalization and every form of poverty, material and spiritual. Like the Good Samaritan, full of
compassion, he stopped before the wounded flesh of the brothers, restores and heals, becoming a living
manifestation of the love of God the Father. Priests, ministers of Christ, are required to have the same
compassionate heart, expressed in closeness, in the real and integral participation of suffering and travails of the
people, in the capability of relationships which reignite hope, in the care of the wounds of the people, in a special
way through the mediation of sacramental grace.

4. Vigilance

Disappointment with life reality, with the Church or with ourselves can tempt us to latch onto a sweet sorrow or
sadness that the Eastern Fathers called acedia… A sadness which stifles every effort at change and conversion
by sowing resentment and hostility.…Brothers, when that sweet sorrow threatens to take hold of our lives or our
communities, without being fearful or troubled, yet with firm resolution, let us together beg the Spirit to “rouse us
from our torpor, to free us from our inertia. Let us rethink our usual way of doing things; let us open our eyes and
ears, and above all our hearts, so as not to be complacent about things as they are, but unsettled by the living
and effective word of the risen Lord”.

A vigilant heart

Several times Jesus recalled the importance of the vigilance of the heart which, as faithful servants, makes us
wait promptly for the coming of the owner of the vineyard. It is a matter of making room for the gift of the Holy
Spirit who, even in the midst of daily commitments and the obscurities of the present time, makes us discern the
presence of the Lord, and makes us attentive to His Word. The Spirit also makes us active in charity so that we
do not turn off the oil in the lamp of our life and, like the wise virgins, we shall go to meet the Bridegroom who is
coming. However, the heart remains vigilant, despite undergoing a spiritual struggle. Jesus himself confronts the
heart in the desert, overcoming the temptations of the devil, and at the end of his life, recalling his disciples who,
in Gethsemane, fell asleep: "Watch and pray, so as not to enter into temptation" (Mt 26.41). The priest may also
experience what Pope Francis has called "the weariness of hope", that inner bitterness that often arises from the
disparity between personal expectations and the visible fruits of the apostolate, or that dryness of the heart that
often leads to drag pastoral commitments and even daily prayer into habit, resignation and neglect. Instead, we
must always let ourselves be "awakened" by the Word of the Lord and by the cries of the People of God.

5. Courage

To keep our our hearts courageous, we should not neglect the two constitutive links that determines our identity.
Firstly, our relationship with Jesus : whenever we turn away from Jesus or neglect our relationship with him,
slowly but surely our commitment begins to fade and our lamps lose the oil needed to light up our lives (cf. Mt
25:1-13): …In this regard, I would encourage you not to neglect spiritual direction. Look for a brother with whom
you can speak, reflect, discuss and discern, sharing with complete trust and openness your journey. …The other
essential aspect of this dialectic is our relationship to our people. Foster that relationship and expand it. Do not
withdraw from your people, your brother priests and your community, much less seek refuge in closed and elitist
groups. Ultimately, this stifles and poisons the soul. A courageous minister is a minister always on the move.
A courageous heart

Contemplating the Heart of Jesus, we can grasp the two fundamental ties, from which he lived his mission: the
Heavenly Father and the people. The Gospels show us how, in a typical day of Jesus, , the attention to the
relationship with God and active solidarity towards the brothers alternate and intertwine in a wise balance. The
love of his actions is never separated from silence and prayer, and the fatigue of a ministry that does not even
allow him time to eat is never separates him from the firm will to withdraw aside, to lonely places, to cultivate
intimate, loving conversations with God the Father. In the same way, the priest according to the Heart of Christ is
the one who "lives" between the Lord to whom he has consecrated his life and the People he has been called to
serve. He will be able to live a fruitful pastoral charity, insofar as he does not neglect his inner life, personal and
community prayer and he allows himself to be guided in spiritual accompaniment.

The 5 words proposed for the Day of Sanctification of the Clergy, taken from the Letter that Pope Francis
addressed to the Priests last August, refer to a priestly heart truly "consecrated" to that of Christ, that is, rooted
in the personal relationship with Him and therefore configured according to his own feelings.

As has been pointed out in the psychiatric and psychotherapist field about some moral and affective problems in
the life of priests, the vitality and care of this spiritual relationship with God, together with the development of a
good human maturity and healthy interpersonal relationships, constitutes the best environment for the custody of
priestly celibacy and spirituality.

Instead, what represents a high potential risk in the life of the priest is what has been called the "deficit of
intimacy". In order to be fully embraced and protected from threatening incursions, every state of life must
cultivate a particular "intimate relationship" that enhances its possibilities and limits its risks (neither, nor?): for a
priest it is a matter of personal and daily friendship with the Lord.

The human, psychological and spiritual prerequisite for the success of a priestly life is then the intimate
relationship with God. The lack of intimacy is nothing more than the drying up of the spiritual life and,
consequently, the loss of that deep, interior and vital friendship with the Lord, which forms the basis for personal
and pastoral fruitfulness. The priest who no longer faithfully prays and who neglects the fundamental elements of
his intimate relationship with the Lord accumulates a dangerous "deficit". This can generate a sense of
emptiness, a perception of frustration and dissatisfaction, difficulties in managing loneliness, needs and
affections, up to the risk of exposure to friendships and "external" bonds which, at that point, could cause a
human-spiritual building, already marked by several cracks, to crumble,.

In order for the Priest to be configured to the Heart of Christ, the firm point of his daily life and the foundation of
his human and spiritual structure must be constituted by that inner humus constituted by deep personal
friendship with the Lord, from which the management of the one's life, celibacy and the apostolic mission can be
psychologically viable and spiritually fruitful.
The heart symbolizes the center or “core” of our being, from which
prayer and moral actions originate.

The heart is mentioned frequently in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, where
Jesus frequently uses the term to explain spiritual truths.

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)
For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be. (Matthew 6:21)
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your
mind, and with all your strength. (Mark 12:30)
In Christianity, the heart symbolizes the center or core of our being, from which prayer
and moral actions originate. This even explains the word “core,” which is derived from
the Latin word cor, meaning, “heart.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church echoes this definition and describes the spiritual
meaning of the heart in its section on prayer.
Where does prayer come from? Whether prayer is expressed in words or gestures, it is
the whole man who prays. But in naming the source of prayer, Scripture speaks
sometimes of the soul or the spirit, but most often of the heart (more than a thousand
times). According to Scripture, it is the heart that prays. If our heart is far from God,
the words of prayer are in vain.
The heart is the dwelling-place where I am, where I live; according to the
Semitic or Biblical expression, the heart is the place “to which I withdraw.” The heart is
our hidden center, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of
God can fathom the human heart and know it fully. The heart is the place of
decision, deeper than our psychic drives. It is the place of truth, where we choose life or
death. It is the place of encounter, because as image of God we live in relation: it is
the place of covenant. (CCC 2562-2563)
Besides prayer, the heart is also seen as a source of our moral decisions.
The heart is the seat of moral personality: “Out of the heart come evil thoughts,
murder, adultery, fornication” … The “pure in heart” are promised that they will see God
face to face and be like him. Purity of heart is the precondition of the vision of
God. Even now it enables us to see according to God, to accept others as “neighbors”; it
lets us perceive the human body – ours and our neighbor’s – as a temple of the Holy
Spirit, a manifestation of divine beauty…Purity of heart requires the modesty which is
patience, decency, and discretion. Modesty protects the intimate center of the
person. (CCC 2517, 2519, 2533)
This is why the heart is so often used in spiritual writings, as it is seen as a primary
source of so much that happens in our spiritual lives. It also explains why love is
associated with the heart, as authentic love comes from the “core” of our being, not
something that is on the “surface.”
For this same reason, it is significant that Jesus is often depicted holding out his
heart to us, inviting us to take it within ourselves and let Jesus’ heart rule over our
heart.
As Jesus said to his disciples, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am
meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:29).
If we want to progress in the spiritual life, we need to look at our heart and let God
transform it, thus transforming our prayer and moral decisions.

FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic

Due to the ongoing health crisis that we are experiencing, the First Friday devotion to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus and Communion of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus will be
observed from our homes together with our families.

During the First Fridays that we are kept in our family homes, we will fulfill the Great
Promise of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the following ways:

1. Confessing our sins spiritually to Jesus, with deep repentance and perfect contrition, as
Pope Francis taught when there is no sacramental Confession available, promising to
receive sacramental Confession as soon as possible;
2. Having a spiritual Communion of Reparation, with intention of making reparation to
the Sacred Heart of Jesus;
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen
3. Offering this to unite our family in God’s love, grace, and mercy; liberating us from the
spirit of the world.
4. Praying the Act of Reparation prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

ACT OF REPARATION TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Sacred Heart of Jesus, animated with a desire to repair the outrages unceasingly offered
to Thee, we prostrate before Thy throne of mercy, and in the name of all mankind, pledge
our love and fidelity to Thee!
The more Thy mysteries are blasphemed, the more firmly we shall believe them, O Sacred
Heart of Jesus!
The more impiety endeavors to extinguish our hopes of immortality, the more we shall
trust in Thy Heart, sole hope of mankind!
The more hearts resist Thy Divine attractions, the more we shall love Thee, O infinitely
amiable Heart of Jesus!
The more unbelief attacks Thy Divinity, the more humbly and profoundly we shall adore
It, O Divine Heart of Jesus!
The more Thy holy laws are transgressed and ignored, the more we shall delight to
observe them, O most holy Heart of Jesus!
The more Thy Sacraments are despised and abandoned, the more frequently we shall
receive them with love and reverence, O most liberal Heart of Jesus!
The more the imitation of Thy virtues is neglected and forgotten, the more we shall
endeavor to practice them, O Heart of Jesus, model of every virtue!
The more the devil labors to destroy souls, the more we shall be inflamed with desire to
save them, O Heart of Jesus, zealous Lover of souls!
The more sin and impurity destroy the image of God in man, the more we shall try by
purity of life to be a living temple of the Holy Spirit, O Heart of Jesus!
The more Thy Holy Church is despised, the more we shall endeavor to be her faithful
children, O Sweet Heart of Jesus!
The more Thy Vicar on earth is persecuted, the more we will honor him as the infallible
head of Thy Holy Church, show our fidelity and pray for him, O kingly Heart of Jesus!
O Sacred Heart, through Thy powerful grace, may we become Thy apostles in the midst of
a corrupted world, and be Thy crown in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Every year, 19 days after Pentecost, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus.
But where did that tradition originate? Devotion to the wounded heart of Jesus has its
origins in the eleventh century, when pious Christians meditated on the Five Wounds of
Christ.
It was not until 1670, however, that a French priest, Fr. Jean Eudes, celebrated the first
Feast of the Sacred Heart.
Around the same time, a pious sister by the name of Margaret Mary Alacoque began to
report visions of Jesus. He appeared to her frequently, and in December 1673, he
permitted Margaret Mary—as had once allowed St. Gertrude—to rest her head upon his
Heart. As she experienced the comfort of his presence, Jesus told her of his great love and
explained that he had chosen her to make his love and his goodness known to all.
The following year, in June or July of 1674, Margaret Mary reported that Jesus wanted to
be honored under the figure of His Heart of flesh. He asked the faithful to receive Him in
the Eucharist frequently, especially on the First Friday of the month, and to observe a
Holy Hour of devotion to Him.
On May 8, 1873, the devotion to the Sacred Heart was formally approved by Pope Pius IX
( National Catholic register , 2019).
There are 12 Jesus's promises for those who honor the Sacred Heart, so guys, if you are
struggling with your life now, and need some enlightenment, this devotion is might be a
great way for you to overcome your problem.

12 Promises of the Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will give peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. I will be their refuge in life and especially in death.
5. I will abundantly bless all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall rise speedily to great perfection.
9. I will bless those places wherein the image of my Sacred Heart shall be exposed and
venerated.
10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
11. Persons who propagate this devotion shall have their names eternally written in my
Heart.
12. In the excess of the mercy of my heart, I promise you that my all powerful love will
grant to all those who will receive Communion on the First Fridays, for nine consecutive
months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in my displeasure, nor without
receiving the sacraments; and my Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour.
“I promise you, in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all powerful love will grant to
all those who receive Holy Communion on the first Friday for nine consecutive months,
the grace of final repentance; they shall not die in my disgrace nor without receiving the
sacraments; my divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in that last moment.”
— Our Lord to St. Margaret Mary.

Luke 19:41-44

What are some of the things that break the heart of God ?
 Death, senseless killing and the sorrow it brings breaks the heart of God.
 A Church without a shepherd breaks the heart of God.
 False teaching and compromise breaks the heart of God.
 Broken marriages/ families break the heart of God.
 Delinquent and self-absorbed parenting breaks the heart of God.
 Disobedient children break the heart of God.
 Unbelief and rejection break the heart of God.
 My sin, your sin breaks the heart of God.

The list is endless to what breaks the heart of God because He knows the consequences man will face and
God knows you cannot stand against His Judgement and wrath. 

We come to this passage that is a day of mix emotions and a building up of emotions for the disciples. 

From the statement that Thomas said “….Let us also go, that we may die with him.” 

John 11:16. From the joyful singing and celebrating “"Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘BLESSED IS HE WHO
COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' Hosanna in the highest!" 

Matt 21:9. To our passage here “BLESSED IS THE KING WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!' Peace in
heaven and glory in the highest!"

Luke 19:38. To anger and resentment from the religious elites “"Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But He
answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."
Luke 19:39-40. To weeping “Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,” Luke 19:41

This day is supposed to be about celebration, renewal of the heart and hope for eternity in a holy God who
sent His Son to die for our sins and disobedience. But Jesus see’s through the excitement and grieves for lost
sinners who are deceived by their own desires and plans that they had for Jesus. 

“And when He drew near and saw the city, He wept over it, saying, "Would that you, even you, had known
on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.”  Luke 19:41-42. 

What is supposed to be a victories day (a long time in the making) for God’s people, turns out to be nothing
more than an external display of a unchanged heart that is motivated by selfish desires and wants.

This passage reveals to us the heart of God penned through the heart of a man who saw sin as God sees it. 

Do you know that it breaks God heart to see His children, His creation walking aimlessly under the ignorance
of their own hearts? Seeing them celebrate for the wrong reasons as they are lead astray by their own hearts
desires and concern for their own sin.

Let me ask you!

 Does your heart ache to witness the sin of this present generation?
 Does your heart ache when people disobey the Word of God?
 Does your heart ache when you see people walk away from the church?
 Does your heart ache when you at times find yourself disobeying the Word of God?

Why are you here this morning?

 Is it to look good in the community?
 Is it because you have to and the thing to do on Sunday?
 Is it because this is the way you gain favour and eternal life?
  
If that is so! Then we are no different than the people singing and throwing palm branches as Jesus enters
the city. We are here because Jesus saved me from the death I deserves. We are here because I hate my sin
and love my Jesus who gave Himself for me We are here because we hear the words of life, grounded in the
scripture. Religion is game that many play, but to be born again is transforming and renewing every single
day as we cry out “Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest.” 

If you look at this verse closely we see the heart of a God who saw the hardness of hearts.
 It makes him weep because of the wickedness of man.
 It makes him weep because of their love for sin.
 It makes him weep because they are haters of God and His word.

Nehemiah was also another man who weep for the sins of his people!

“So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting
and praying before the God of heaven. And I said: "I pray, LORD God of heaven, O great and awesome God,
You who keep Your covenant and mercy with those who love You and observe Your commandments, please
let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant which I pray
before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children
of Israel which we have sinned against You. Neh 1:4-11

Is this you this morning?

Do you feel like Jesus here in this text this morning?
When your at work listening to conversations around you. In your car as you look around and see what’s
going outside in the communities around us. At school seeing how young people treat each other and the
disrespect they give to those who are older than them. At the store where people are in such hurry to go
nowhere and the selfishness as they get through the check-out lines at Walmart. At church were people put
on their Sunday cloths and faces and disregard everything they heard proclaimed about our sovereign
LORD.

SO MY QUESTION TO YOU IS, DOESN’T THIS CONCERN YOU? What does your heart tell you right now,
after reading a passage that expresses the heart of God who see’s man depravity for what it
is! SIN. Especially after the so-called heart felt welcome as Jesus entered a city where He would die for the
sins of the world. God said He would never flood the whole earth again, but He didn’t say He wouldn’t pour
His wrath upon the sinner. This is why He came! And as Jesus looked over the crowd of people He “wept
over it”  (v41) “Over it” is referring to the nation of Israel! Showing His compassion for the guilty city, and His
strong sense of the evils that were about to come upon it if they continued down this road of destruction.

This is the second time Jesus wept! 

The first time being at the tomb of Lazarus, in John 11, the second being here. The only difference between
the two is that Jesus wept quietly at the tomb of Lazarus. Here in this portion of scripture, He expressed His
heart with a loud lamentation, like you would see someone mourning over the death of a loved one. 

Why? 
 Jesus saw that the nation had wasted its opportunities and been ignorant of their “time of visitation” 
 Jesus saw the spiritual ignorance and blindness in the hearts of the people, because they should have
known who He really was. 
 Jesus saw the religious activity that accomplished very little if nothing for the Kingdom of God and His
glory. This people were so filled with celebrations, festivals and other things, but sadly their hearts
where heavy with sin and life burdens that none of them could ever carry on their own if they could
only see Christ and His sustaining grace that he offers to sins like these people.
  
That’s why He says "If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your
peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build
an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children
within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know
the time of your visitation." Luke 19:42-44. 

See, Jesus knew the terrible judgement that was coming to the nation, the city and the temple. In 70AD, the
Romans would come and, after a siege of 143 days, they killed 600,000 Jews, then they would take
thousands more captive, and destroy the temple and the city. 

Why did all this happen? Jesus summarizes it in this statement “because you did not know the time of your
visitation.” (v44)

Just as it was in the time of Sodom and Gomorrah. Just as it was in the time of Noah. “Then the LORD saw
that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was
only evil continually.” Gen 6:5. 

Just as it was in the time of visitation. Just as it is here, the sins of man have blinded the hearts of man to see
the glory of God in Christ Jesus during His earthly visit.
  
I want to stop here for a moment and ask you, do you weep over the sin of others? 

This is not a game! When was the last time you wept over your sin or sin that is around you?

 Do you shed tears for the lost people around you? 

 Does the sin of our nation, continent, world, grieve you? 
 Are you even affected by the depravity of your culture? 
 Better yet……..Do you even care?
  
I say this because we need to remind ourselves daily about the beauty of the gospel in our lives. “Hosanna in
the Highest”  in Matthew’s gospel which meaning “Save us now, Oh supremely great and glorious God; save
us by the Messiah that comes in Your name.” A holy God who came to save us from holy God who hates
sin. A holy God who was grieved over your sin, my sin and He displayed this grief and anger over our sin
through the “Messiah”…………His Son….Jesus Christ. That’s what makes the gospel so beautiful and precious to
sinners like us. We need to be reminded daily of that truth. Preaching the gospel to yourself means to
continually face up to your own sinfulness and then we flee to Jesus through faith in His shed blood and
righteous life. So what are some things that we can do as God’s children when it comes to ignorance of Christ
and sin and this pending doom for so many?

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING FOR THOSE WHO ARE ENTANGLED IN

SIN.
As Paul said “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all
perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Eph 6:18. It’s that idea of “pray without ceasing” which means
never stopping because there is simply too much to pray about. Prayer is work, plain and simple, which is why
most believers don't do it and struggle in this area of life. And it’s one of the reasons we don’t concern ourselves
with the cares of others….but it should as it did Jesus here in this passage.
  

GENTLY AND CAUTIOUSLY COME ALONGSIDE A BROTHER OR

SISTER AND HELP THEM TO BE RECONCILED WITH GOD.
Jesus said "What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave
the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say
to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. Even so it is not the will
of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish . "Moreover if your brother sins against
you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” Matt
18:12-15. 

Our desire is not to find restitution to fill our prideful hearts, when we have been wronged. Our desire should be
for a sinner to reconciled back into the fellowship with our Lord and King. We should desire the same God desires
for sinners to repent and find their comfort and peace in the Son of God.

PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THEM IN EVERY OCCASION WITH THE

WORDS OF TRUTH.
As Paul said “Preach the word [the gospel truth]! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort,
with all longsuffering and teaching. In all occasion share the Gospel of salvation, the word of righteousness,
peace, and reconciliation by Christ; which is to be preached always. Faith in Christ comes by hearing the word of
God! Rom 10:17

NEVER GIVE UP ON A SINNER, DESPITE WHAT THE OUTCOME

MIGHT BRING.
In the gospel of John we read “And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas
Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that
He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and
girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them
with the towel with which He was girded.” John 13:2-5. Jesus washed his feet. It was only one example of the
agape love of Jesus Christ and the way He reached out to Judas. This example of love He took to win Judas even
at this late hour made His love all the more wonderful. Never giving up because God’s desire that no one perishes
even though many will in the end. Never give up on a sinner no matter how wicked or reckless a person might
be.

LOVE THEM AS CHRIST LOVED THEM AND WEPT OVER THEM

BECAUSE YOU KNOW THEIR COMING JUDGEMENT.
As the Hebrew writer said “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” Heb 9:27. 

What does this judgement look like? 

We read in Rev 20:11-15 “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and
the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing
before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead
were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead
who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one
according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And
anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire .”

Can you see why Jesus wept at their celebration on this Palm Sunday? 

Many according to His powerful Sermon on the Mount would end in this terrible place. He loved them so much
He willingly died for them, despite how they felt about Him and what plans they had for Him. Remind yourself of
that truth in the word of God as this one writer said, “This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way
of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are
binding; its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe,
practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the
traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character. Here
paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good its
design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it
slowly, frequently, prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. Follow its
precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself,
for eternity.

Don’t miss this truth as so many of the people that Jesus came to saved did! For some it may be too
late…..for others it’s the power of God that some will be saved by His amazing grace. As this amazing story
of a man imprisoned as He was asked “What would YOU say in a letter to your younger self?”
Dear Peter,  It’s great to be able to talk to you, I’m 55 years old now, and living in prison for the past six
years. Let me tell you kid; it’s no way to live. A lot if the things you’re going to do are good, a few of them
are really stupid. If you think something’s might be a bad idea…..BELIEVE IT! Don`t do it. If you think you feel
the Lord in your life, believe it! You will receive many blessings, many signs of what you should do. Keep
your eyes open wide and pay attention, do what is right and you won’t need to go to prison. God loves you,
live by His word.  Love Peter!

Don’t miss the invitation of His visitation found in the gospel that saves, by superficial praises that lead to
destruction. What was Jesus’ plan from the very beginning as He entered the City? He came to save the
lost! Though He wept over her, He loved and gave Himself for her. Today is the day of salvation and that’s
why we celebrate Palm Sunday!

God’s heart is for you.

Don’t let that statement be a cliché or platitude. Look at it again. Let it roll over you
and take you in. Embrace this divine mystery and seeming contradiction.

God is a self-contained Trinity, in need of nothing. He is being itself. God has no

need for you. You do not complete anything in God – He is sufficiently complete. And
yet…

God’s heart is for you.

But, what is your heart for?

Throughout sacred Scripture, God’s heart and love is referenced and implied. People
have argued that all of Scripture is one big love story – God’s love story – about us.
The heart of God is given to us. The imagery begs the question, what exactly do we
mean when we talk about God’s heart and how does understanding that change us?

This year, we are going to break open this beautiful mystery in our annual theme,
“Heart of God.” A person’s “heart”, in a metaphorical sense, represents their absolute
direction. A person could look at you and say they are charitable, but perhaps their
heart is actually set toward money. Their words can say one thing, but their heart
reveals their true intentions (Matthew 6:21). God’s heart represents His direction, as
well. Since God is love, God’s heart is always oriented toward love (1 John 4:8). And
this love is given to us as His mercy. We don’t deserve that and we can’t earn it (John
15:16).

This year, our theme presents some incredible opportunities. First, we are provoked
to dive more deeply into the mystery of God’s heart and God’s love by entrusting our
hearts to him (Philippians 4:7). One specific way we will challenge ourselves to learn
the heart of God is through a deeper study and prayer with Sacred Scripture. God’s
word reveals God’s heart – in fact, St. Gregory the Great once wrote in a letter,
“Learn the heart of God in the words of God.” As a staff we are going to more ardently
pursue our study of the Word of God and want our parishes in the Life Teen
movement to join us. Utilize your Summit resources and consider getting a copy of
Ascend for your Core Members, if not your small group members as well. Make the
most of these resources as you seek to know God’s heart more in His very Word.
Finally, this theme will challenge our own hearts.

What are our hearts directed toward?

When we learn the heart of God through prayer and studying Scripture, we must
respond. Love demands a response. If someone told you they loved you, whatever
you do next is your response. You can say, “I love you back,” or “I don’t love you,” but
even being silent and refusing to say anything is a response. When we are confronted
with love of God in the heart of God, how will our hearts respond?

Our hope is that, by prayerfully entering into this theme, our hearts would become
hearts that chase after God. We will pray that our hearts could be like King David:

“[God] raised up David to be their king; of whom he testified and said, ‘I have found in
David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’”
(Acts 13:22)

Our prayer is that this year will be transformative for your teens, your parish, and
your heart. One day, the light of God will reveal the direction and intention of our
heart (1 Corinthians 4:5). May we be found chasing after God’s heart… only to realize
that God, in His infinite mercy, has been chasing us for far longer.