Location: Sacred Heart Catholic Church-San Antonio
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, as we gather to celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are also filled with joy as we commemorate the 125th anniversary of our beloved Sacred Heart Parish. It is a day of profound significance, a day to reflect on the boundless love of our Lord Jesus Christ and to give thanks for the blessings poured upon this faith community throughout its rich history.
In the readings we encounter the depth of God’s love manifested in various ways. In the first reading from the prophet Hosea, we are reminded of God’s tender care for His people, expressed through the imagery of a loving parent. Despite Israel’s waywardness, God’s love remains steadfast. “When Israel was a child, I loved him,” the Lord declares.
This parental love, overflowing with compassion and mercy, continues to sustain us even in our own times of wandering and weakness.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this theme of salvation and gratitude. “You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation,” we proclaim with confidence, acknowledging God as our savior and source of strength. As we give thanks and acclaim His name, let us also proclaim His deeds and exalt His holy name, for He is truly great in our midst.
In the second reading from the Letter to the Ephesians, Saint Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ, hidden for ages but now revealed through the Church. Paul, entrusted with the grace to preach the riches of Christ to the Gentiles, emphasizes the importance of being rooted and grounded in love. It is this love that strengthens us, that enables us to comprehend the immeasurable breadth and depth of God’s love, and that fills us with the fullness of God Himself.
And finally, in the Gospel passage from John, we witness the culmination of God’s love in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. As Jesus hangs upon the cross, His heart is pierced, and blood and water flow forth, symbols of the sacraments of the Eucharist and Baptism, by which we are nourished and cleansed. Additionally, Pope Francis has said: “Reconciliation is not so much our work; it is a gift, a gift that springs from the Crucified, it is peace that comes from the Heart of Jesus, it is a grace that must be asked for.” Through His death and resurrection, Jesus reveals the depth of His love for us, fulfilling the Scriptures and inviting us to believe in Him.
As we reflect on these readings and celebrate this milestone in the life of this parish, let us give thanks for the countless blessings we have received over the past 125 years. Let us also recommit ourselves to living out the message of love and compassion that lies at the heart of the Gospel.
May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, overflowing with love for humanity, continue to be our source of strength and our guide as we journey together in faith. May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, ever burning with love for humanity, Be our guiding light and our constant source of hope.
And may Our Lady of Guadalupe make room for us in her Immaculate Heart.
