Imitating the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The pattern for Christian Charity

In the Gospels, we often see how Jesus responds to people with a sensitive heart that reveals itself

in a remarkable attentiveness to their suffering. The writers say Jesus was moved with compassion. He notices the hungry crowd before they ask for food at the sermon on the mount. He stops for the blind man others try to silence and he restores dignity to those whom society has forgotten. These moments show us a side of Christ. It says the heart of Christ is never distant from human need. His heart sees, listens, and responds.

As Vincentians we must look upon the crucified Christ. His actions encourage us to show compassion to others.

We must take his example and demonstrate the love revealed in our Hearts to those around us. June offers us a practical spiritual invitation, a moment to ask a simple but demanding question: does my heart resemble the heart of Christ?

Through our baptism, we receive a new heart from Christ. Our hearts are transformed to be like His.

Scripture reminds us that the Christian life involves genuine transformation. Scripture tells us “I will give you a new heart” and believers are called to share in the very mind and love of Christ

By meditating on the love of Christ, we are not only drawn into that love but seek to imitate it. Our devotion must be rooted in the Gospel and lead us to imitate Christ's love. Christ's compassion sets the pattern for all Christian charity. The open arms of the crucified Lord signify God's desire to gather the whole world into his mercy.

When we go to the heart of Jesus, we enrol in the school of compassion. When we contemplate the heart of Christ, when we spend time in prayer before the Lord, especially in the Eucharist, we learn His way of loving.

Let’s work on being nurtured by our experience with the heart of Jesus.

Deacon John Girolami
Spiritual Advisor
SSVP Ontario Regional Council