In the Gospel of John, we hear how Jesus’ tears reveal the depth of compassion within His human heart. He is not only the All-Powerful Second Person of the Holy Trinity, but also fully human, and His Sacred Heart is truly a human heart, perfectly united with His divinity. Jesus expressed the perfection of His divine love in this intimate moment when He encountered such grief, confusion, faith, a lack of faith, pain, loss, and even despair. He experienced all of these emotions from the people present and was moved with the holiest and purest compassion that a human heart has ever felt.
As we continue to journey toward the end of Lent and continue to ponder our sin and our need to repent, use this story as a reminder that it is the same Jesus Whose heart is exploding with compassion for you and Who calls you out of sin. Continue to examine your conscience honestly, humbly, and thoroughly. Jesus loves you as He loved Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. As you experience your own sin, pain, confusion, or even despair at times, Jesus responds with holy sorrow, with weeping, and with compassion. At the end of time, He will be the Judge of all. For now, He is pure mercy and compassion, longing to say to you what He said to Lazarus, “Lazarus, come out!”
This past week we celebrated our Pre-Cana Day with couples who are journeying to the altar of God to enter into Holy Matrimony. McMahon Hall was full of engaged couples who received wonderful reflections and teachings from the great team here at Sacred Heart. Many thanks to our wonderful and dedicated team of couples who helped put this day on, it takes so much hard work and your efforts are truly appreciated.
The School Gala, Rejoice in Rose, was a great success! The Gala is a joyful reverse raffle and auction the helps our students really flourish. Funds raised from our gala supports our students from the classroom, providing extra educational services, field trips, and other experiences that create a lifetime of memories. Thank you to all who came out to support Sacred Heart and a special thanks to everyone who worked so well to put on this amazing event. If you didn’t get the chance to attend, next year is always a good plan!
Coming up this week we look forward to our 8th grade students taking us into prayer at the Living Stations of the Cross. These talented students have been practicing with great diligence to lead our school and parish in prayer. Mark your calendars and plan to come to the Church this Friday March 27th at 1:30pm or 7pm to take part in this Holy and prayerful service.
Remember, Lent is coming into focus on the Holiest week of the year in just a few days. Palm Sunday begins Holy Week with the blessing and procession of palms on March 29th. There will be ample time of confessions, meditations led by our choir for Tenebrae, solemn services, and the entrance into the Church of all of those in the Becoming Catholic program. Be sure to check out the times listed! May God bless you all and the Sacred Heart of Jesus continue to lead you!
Pax et Bonum,
Fr Joe Robinson
