The Sacred Heart. All that love and thorns

After writing that short piece about why God might want to place a ban on the Amorites, it’s the Feast of the Sacred Heart today.

But if you are thinking that this is the fluffy Jesus, think again. Apart from the heavy crosses the seer St. Margaret Mary Alacoque had to carry in her life as she carried out the requests of her Bridegroom, there’s very clear signs of the Passion on His hands and feet and around His Sacred Heart. It was that heart which was pieced by the spear of St. Longinus and the last drops of Precious Blood given to the world. There’s a crown of thorns around it because love, done properly, does hurt.

Love isn’t a fluffy sentimental feeling meaning you can do whatever feels good (and sentimental). It’s an act of the will meaning sacrifice and often doing things we would rather not do. Ask any mother as she cleans up snot and vomit, or a husband who takes on those extra hours of work so his wife can be at home with the children.

We should resist the temptation to disneyfy Jesus.  In fact the tough, crown of thorns, wounded Christ is the one we know will help us in our trials and during the rough times of life.