Pope Francis has just written a new encyclical, “Dilexit Nos, On the human and divine love of
the Heart of Jesus Christ.” In an age of isolation, reluctance to join communities and the
emphasis on personal fulfillment, Francis writes about the importance of human contact and
our relationship with one another. It is not in the mind but in the “heart” that we can be in
touch with what is central to human life. It is in the heart that we can find our ability to love
and be loved. This ability to receive love and give love is the source of all that is of value in
personal and community fulfillment. The choice to love is beyond all other forms of
communication.
It is in the heart of Christ that we find the love beyond all measure calming our fears and our
distrust. We are then able to receive the love and share that love with others. Jesus shows
us this love in his words and healing actions throughout his life here on earth as recorded in
Scripture. His love is unconditional reaching out to all who come in contact with him,
including those of different faiths, races, people on the margins and even sinners. As
Christians we have the grace and opportunity to love others with his divine and human love
dwelling in us. “They will know we are Christians by our love.” Through the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, our hearts can burn with new fire within ourselves and for the world.
- Do you have a real connection with the Sacred Heart of Christ?
- How does Christ’s love for you affect your relationship with others?
- Does your unconditional love have significance for a troubled world?
O God, let the love from your Sacred Heart ground me in all of my relationships