Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Good morning. I know God. There is not a smidgen of doubt in my mind that God exists, for I know love and God is love. As I reflected on today’s readings I was reminded of the Victor Hugo classic Les Miserables. Now, I don’t recall the line being in the book but in the Broadway Play based upon the book, Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo, Valjean in expressing his love for his adopted daughter Cosettte says: "To love another is to see the face of God." How true this is. Now, I do recall that in the book Valjean does say that the proof that God is gracious and good is that his daughter is there with him and that she forgives him. He also says to Cosette “Nothing but love really matters in this world—love for one another.” The parting exchange between Valjean and his daughter reflects wonderfully the relationship we experience in our relationship with God and in our marital relationship. Today’s second reading, for the celebration of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, from 1 John 4 reminds us of our awareness of God through love and that it is this love we come to know in marriage that assures us of His existence and His ever present experience in our lives. When we experience the love we have for our spouse and the love our spouse has for us, we come to experience God’s love. The Gospel for today likewise offers us a look at our awareness of God in our experience of love, that of seeking comfort in Christ; this experience of trust and comfort is seen in the loving relationship between a man and a woman in marriage. Victor Hugo, in the words of Valjean is absolutely correct; love is all that matters, for love is our experience of God. Love and our need to love and be loved is a reflection of our desire for God. In the words of the author of today’s second reading, “God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” Make a great day!

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.