The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was celebrated on Friday the 7th of June by the Universal Church. The Gospel reading (Matthew 11:28-30) highlights the key virtue that underlies this mystery; a virtue that can be referred to as the meekness of love. The Lord invites those who labour and are overburdened to come unto him and find refreshment for their souls (Matthew 11:28). But with what attitude? By taking their “yoke” and learning from Him: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. † For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)

Beloved, when you are privileged to enter into the Heart of the Jesus and embrace it faithfully, you will soon discover how to face life’s challenges with equanimity. With this attitude, all things good, bad and ugly will begin to work for your good (Romans 8:28). What society describes as “difficult and unbearable” becomes “easy and light” thanks to the indwelling Spirit of love at work within you, nourishing you with the virtues of meekness, humility, fortitude, gratitude, joy and praise in order to make life a continual recreation. The meekness of love, indeed, lightens every burden.

As we continue to thank God for the gift of the newly confirmed boys and girls of our parish who have been sealed with gift of the Holy Spirit, who invites us every day to enter into the fellowship of the Trinitarian love manifested in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we pray that we may be filled with the Spirit of meekness that will enable us to grapple with the challenges of life and conquer them with grace and equanimity through Christ Our Lord. Amen