A reflection by Sr Lynne fcJ from FCJ Centre St Hugh’s, in Liverpool
To rest our head on the heart of Jesus. What a beautiful and evocative image! This was one of the powerful spiritual experiences of Margaret Mary Alacoqueβs (1647 β 1690) life and her devotion to the Sacred Heart has been an inspiration for the Church throughout the centuries. The image still speaks powerfully today β the Heart of Jesus is a wounded heart, it is full of compassion and love for the weakest, most fragile in our Society. It is here, with the weakest that we are invited to place ourselves and witness to the loving heart of God.
In the new encyclicalΒ Fratelli TuttiΒ Pope Francis reminds that we are all connected as brothers and sisters β where even one person suffers, we all suffer. If we are to be signs of Christβs loving heart βthe smallest, the weakest, the poorest should touch our hearts: indeed, they have a βrightβ to appeal to our heart and soul. They are our brothers and sisters, and as such we must love and care for themβ [194]
The experience of Godβs love calls us to respond. St Margaret Mary revealed in her life the mercy and love of God for the suffering world, we are invited to do the same. As Faithful Companions of Jesus our recent Chapter has called us to βwiden the circleβ of our love, encountering God in all people and in the whole of creation, and letting our hearts be stretched to love more fully.
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Photo of heart by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
