Sacred Heart of Jesus is the heart of a shepherd

He sets it on his shoulders with great joy

Some people would say that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the heart of a shepherd, and with good reason.   Three out of our four readings today speak to us about shepherds: shepherds who take good care of their sheep, who lead them and feed them, who seek and heal the scattered ones.   But today’s Gospel (Luke 15:5) gives us another insight into the kind of shepherd Jesus is: one who rejoices.

That’s one aspect of Jesus’ Sacred Heart that we might not think about too much.   We know that Jesus reveals his love, his “heart,” through his suffering and death.   You could say he “finds” us, just as the shepherd finds the lost sheep in today’s parable.   But Jesus adds a detail in this parable that we might pass over too quickly:   the shepherd isn’t gloomy or annoyed that he has found his lost sheep.   Neither does he scold the sheep for running off.   Rather, he is filled with joy.

Jesus loves to seek and find the lost.   He doesn’t get frustrated even if you stray time after time.   He won’t give up on you, and he won’t give up on your loved ones.   He will keep looking until the very end.   Because he loves every one of his sheep and knows what joy awaits when he brings them home, he goes out in joyful anticipation, not in grumbling resentment.

Take some time today to consider the Sacred Heart of Jesus not just as a suffering heart but as a joyful heart.   Imagine you are that lost lamb, and your shepherd is pursuing you with eagerness and determination.   In your mind’s eye, see his face light up as he spots you and reaches out for you.   Feel the warmth of his joy as he lifts you onto his shoulders to carry you home.

Let this joy that Jesus has for you be your strength.   Let it also be your comfort as you pray for a loved one who appears to be lost.   God is unwearied in his love for you and for them.   He rejoices in reaching out to all his wayward children!

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