Heart to Heart Communication

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary, today, Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, invite us to contemplate our connection to the Heart, the seat of Wisdom, in Jesus time, and our communion with Divine Love.

The Heart Connects

The Reading from the Book of Deuteronomy presents the Destruction of the Nations in the Land.

f. [7:6] Dt 14:2, 21; 26:18–19; 32:8–14; Ex 19:5–6; Ps 135:4; Mal 3:17.

g. [7:7] Dt 10:15.

h. [7:8] Dt 5:6; 9:26; 13:5; 15:15; 21:8; 24:18; Ps 78:42.

i. [7:9–10] Dt 4:31; 5:9–10; 24:16; Ex 20:5–6; 34:6–7; Nm 14:18; Jer 31:29–30; 32:18–19; Ez 18:1–24; Jn 9:1–3. (Deuteronomy, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 103 praises God’s mercy towards all people.

* [Psalm 103] The speaker in this hymn begins by praising God for personal benefits (Ps 103:1–5), then moves on to God’s mercy toward all the people (Ps 103:6–18). Even sin cannot destroy that mercy (Ps 103:11–13), for the eternal God is well aware of the people’s human fragility (Ps 103:14–18). The psalmist invites the heavenly beings to join in praise (Ps 103:19–22). (Psalms, CHAPTER 103 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the First Letter of John proclaims God’s Love and Christian Life.

* [4:7–12] Love as we share in it testifies to the nature of God and to his presence in our lives. One who loves shows that one is a child of God and knows God, for God’s very being is love; one without love is without God. The revelation of the nature of God’s love is found in the free gift of his Son to us, so that we may share life with God and be delivered from our sins. The love we have for one another must be of the same sort: authentic, merciful; this unique Christian love is our proof that we know God and can “see” the invisible God.

* [4:13–21] The testimony of the Spirit and that of faith join the testimony of love to confirm our knowledge of God. Our love is grounded in the confession of Jesus as the Son of God and the example of God’s love for us. Christian life is founded on the knowledge of God as love and on his continuing presence that relieves us from fear of judgment (1 Jn 4:16–18). What Christ is gives us confidence, even as we live and love in this world. Yet Christian love is not abstract but lived in the concrete manner of love for one another. (1 John, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew proclaims Praise of the Father and The Gentle Mastery of Christ.

* [11:25–27] This Q saying, identical with Lk 10:21–22 except for minor variations, introduces a joyous note into this section, so dominated by the theme of unbelief. While the wise and the learned, the scribes and Pharisees, have rejected Jesus’ preaching and the significance of his mighty deeds, the childlike have accepted them. Acceptance depends upon the Father’s revelation, but this is granted to those who are open to receive it and refused to the arrogant. Jesus can speak of all mysteries because he is the Son and there is perfect reciprocity of knowledge between him and the Father; what has been handed over to him is revealed only to those whom he wishes.

* [11:28–29] These verses are peculiar to Matthew and are similar to Ben Sirach’s invitation to learn wisdom and submit to her yoke (Sir 51:23, 26).

* [11:28] Who labor and are burdened: burdened by the law as expounded by the scribes and Pharisees (Mt 23:4).

* [11:29] In place of the yoke of the law, complicated by scribal interpretation, Jesus invites the burdened to take the yoke of obedience to his word, under which they will find rest; cf. Jer 6:16. (Matthew CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Andy Alexander, SJ, comments on why the first part of the spiritual exercises of Saint Ignatius is so liberating. In that early part of the retreat, we discover that we are loved, sinners. We discover love without condition. We experience tender mercy. We’re not loved when we get our act together. Even when we struggle, even when we wander, we are loved passionately. This is the breakthrough, the grace, that each of us can ask for on this feast – to know how deeply we are loved and to receive it.

In his last encyclical, Dilexit Nos [He loves us], on the Sacred Heart, Pope Francis wrote:

The Second Vatican Council points out that “the ferment of the Gospel has aroused and continues to arouse in human hearts an unquenchable thirst for human dignity”. [24] Yet to live in accordance with this dignity, it is not enough to know the Gospel or to carry out mechanically its demands. We need the help of God’s love. Let us turn, then, to the heart of Christ, that core of his being, which is a blazing furnace of divine and human love and the most sublime fulfilment to which humanity can aspire. There, in that heart, we truly come at last to know ourselves and we learn how to love. #30

In the presence of the heart of Christ, I once more ask the Lord to have mercy on this suffering world in which he chose to dwell as one of us. May he pour out the treasures of his light and love, so that our world, which presses forward despite wars, socio-economic disparities and uses of technology that threaten our humanity, may regain the most important and necessary thing of all: its heart. #31 (Alexander, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The grace of Christ bears us up,” from an anonymous early Christian teacher

"'My yoke is easy and my burden light'... The prophet says this about the burden of sinners: 'Because my iniquities lie on top of my head, so they have also placed a heavy burden on me' (Psalm 38:4)... 'Place my yoke upon you, and learn from me that I am gentle and humble of heart.' Oh, what a very pleasing weight that strengthens even more those who carry it! For the weight of earthly masters gradually destroys the strength of their servants, but the weight of Christ rather helps the one who bears it, because we do not bear grace; grace bears us. It is not for us to help grace, but rather grace has been given to aid us." (excerpt from the INCOMPLETE WORK ON MATTHEW, HOMILY 29: PG 56:780) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 John 4:7-16 comments that writing about St. John Henry Newman’s devotion to the Sacred Heart, Pope Francis had this to say:

St. John Henry Newman took as his motto the phrase cor ad cor loquitur [heart speaks to heart], since, beyond all our thoughts and ideas, the Lord saves us by speaking to our hearts from his Sacred Heart. This realization led him, the distinguished intellectual, to recognize that his deepest encounter with himself and with the Lord came not from his reading or reflection, but from his prayerful dialogue, heart to heart, with Christ, alive and present. (Dilexit Nos, 26)

We can deepen our knowledge and belief in God’s love as we spend time with Jesus in our own “prayerful dialogue,” as we come “heart to heart” with him in prayer. We can speak to him of our joys and burdens, our dreams and desires. We can express our love for him and our gratitude for all he has done for us. Then we can listen for his word to us, a word that will reassure us that he holds us, now and always, in the depths of his own Sacred Heart.

To honor this great feast, try to set aside some time to speak to the Lord heart to heart—and come to know, ever more deeply, the love Jesus has for you!

“Jesus, help my heart to burn with love for you!” (Meditation on 1 John 4:7-16, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that Moses is trying to teach the people how God has chosen them. They should respond by being faithful and carefully observing their commitments. In 1 John, God is defined as Love. Jesus taught what Love is in His death for us. He willingly took this on himself. In the Gospel of John, the crucifixion is the hour of glory as the outpouring of love for us. In Matthew, Jesus praises the childlike revelation to those who surrender to the mystery we cannot figure out. We can learn from the wonder of the child discovering new things. Friar Jude reminds us that the yoke of two oxen presents the truth that we need to have the help of Jesus in a custom fit yoke to make the furrows and assist in the burdens we carry that are our personal path to trust in God.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, speaks of Jesus’s desire for us to remain connected. Yet we keep condemning ourselves and others for not being perfect, for not being right, or for not being correct.

Everybody seems to be trying to prove that they are right. We have almost a collective incapacity to admit failure, to ever admit that we are wrong, which makes us liars most of the time. Jesus is calling forth a very different kind of human being.

Jesus says people who live a vulnerable life of connection and relationship will bear much fruit. These are the people we trust, like, and admire, so why are so many of us afraid to be the very thing that we admire the most? How foolish human beings are! But again, Jesus has told us the way: He is the vine; we are the branches. None of us can be or need to be correct, but we can always be connected. (Rohr, n.d.)

We attend to the wisdom of the Spirit that affirms that we grow in faith, hope and charity in our action to yoke ourselves with Christ as we live our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Alexander, A. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Creighton On line Ministries. Retrieved June 12, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-june-12-2026 

Deuteronomy, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 12, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/7?6 

Matthew CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved June 12, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11?25 

Meditation on 1 John 4:7-16. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved June 12, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/06/12/1590299/ 

1 John, CHAPTER 4 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Reflections. Retrieved June 12, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/4?7 

Psalms, CHAPTER 103 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved June 12, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/103?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Remain in Me as I Remain in You. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved June 12, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/remain-in-me-as-i-remain-in-you/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Heavenly Things Revealed to Infants. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved June 12, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Friends of the Bridegroom

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to surrender and celebrate our role as “shoshben”, a trusted friend of the Bridegroom, humbly preparing our environment to welcome Him.

Friends of Bride and Groom

The Reading from the First Letter of John is a Prayer for Sinners.

* [5:13–21] As children of God we have confidence in prayer because of our intimate relationship with him (1 Jn 5:14–15). In love, we pray (1 Jn 5:16–17) for those who are in sin, but not in deadly sin (literally, “sin unto death”), probably referring to apostasy or activities brought on under the antichrist; cf. Mk 3:29; Heb 6:4–6; 10:26–31. Even in the latter case, however, prayer, while not enjoined, is not forbidden. The letter concludes with a summary of the themes of the letter (1 Jn 5:18–20). There is a sharp antithesis between the children of God and those belonging to the world and to the evil one. The Son reveals the God of truth; Christians dwell in the true God, in his Son, and have eternal life. The final verse (1 Jn 5:21) voices a perennial warning about idols, any type of rival to God. (1 John, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 149 invites the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance.

* [Psalm 149] A hymn inviting the people of Israel to celebrate their God in song and festive dance (Ps 149:1–3, 5) because God has chosen them and given them victory (Ps 149:4). The exodus and conquest are the defining acts of Israel; the people must be ready to do again those acts in the future at the divine command (Ps 149:6–9).

* [149:3] Make music with tambourine and lyre: the verse recalls the great exodus hymn of Ex 15:20.

* [149:5] On their couches: the people reclined to banquet.

* [149:9] The glory: what brings honor to the people is their readiness to carry out the divine will, here conceived as punishing injustice done by the nations. (Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of John presents the Final Witness of the Baptist.

* [3:22–26] Jesus’ ministry in Judea is only loosely connected with Jn 2:13–3:21; cf. Jn 1:19–36. Perhaps John the Baptist’s further testimony was transposed here to give meaning to “water” in Jn 3:5. Jesus is depicted as baptizing (Jn 3:22); contrast Jn 4:2.

* [3:23] Aenon near Salim: site uncertain, either in the upper Jordan valley or in Samaria.

* [3:24] A remark probably intended to avoid objections based on a chronology like that of the synoptics (Mt 4:12; Mk 1:14).

* [3:25] A Jew: some think Jesus is meant. Many manuscripts read “Jews.”

* [3:29] The best man: literally, “the friend of the groom,” the shoshben of Jewish tradition, who arranged the wedding. Competition between him and the groom would be unthinkable. (John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

Nancy Shirley shares her very real opportunity to put others ahead of herself. She reflects on how Jesus can increase. 

How can my presence here be evidence of that – as I sit with her in the hospital how do I become the hands and feet of Jesus?

Many reading this do that every day as they care for loved ones or in occupations that allow that interaction with others. I have been blessed as a nurse to have a career in serving others. As I age, I realize that these opportunities are not only a blessing for me directly, but the chance to show others Jesus and the wondrous Gift that He is. I remember one of the early songs post-Vatican II – “They will know we are Christians by our Love” – perhaps that is part of the Gift for me this year – decreasing!!! Decreasing ego and self-importance with a focus on the care of others. Sharing the gifts that have been bestowed on me to lessen the burden on others. More of Jesus, less of me.

This Zach Williams song captures this so beautifully, Less like Me (Shirley, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Christ is the husband of the church his bride,” by Ambrose of Milan, 339-397 A.D.

"This means he alone is the husband of the church (John 3:29), he is the expectation of the nations, and the prophets removed their sandals while offering to him a union of nuptial grace. He is the bridegroom; I am the friend of the bridegroom. I rejoice because he is coming, because I hear the nuptial chant, because now we do not hear the harsh penalties for sinners, the harsh torments of the law, but the forgiveness of offenses, the cry of joy, the sound of cheerfulness, the rejoicing of the nuptial feast." (excerpt from ON THE PATRIARCHS 4.22) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on John 3:22-30 notes that John compared himself to the Jewish “shoshben”, or the “best man” at a wedding (John 3:29). In ancient Hebrew tradition, the “shoshben” was a trusted friend of the bridegroom who made most of the arrangements for the wedding celebration. And when Jesus finally did arrive, he happily “decreased” in humility and let Jesus become the rightful center of Israel’s attention (John 3:30).

You, too, are part of the bride of Christ. So let John, the best man, help you welcome Jesus as well. Accept his call to repentance. Keep your eyes open for Jesus’ coming to you. And pray that you will know the joy that filled John’s heart—the joy of hearing the voice of the bridegroom every day.

“Jesus, help me to welcome you today.” (Meditation on John 3:22-30, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the last chapter 1 John concludes whatever we ask with confidence we will receive. This is not transactional but relational as a brother giving what we truly need not necessarily what we want. The author of 1 John presents an ambiguous message on sin and sinners. In theory we won’t sin, but we will sin and we need to pick up and go to Christ. The mortal sin that indicates denial of Jesus and God is offered as we belong to the evil one in a very dualistic light or dark, goodness or sin description Jesus. The Gospel of John presents Jesus baptizing on the other side of the Jordan in remission of sin and anointing with the Gift of the Spirit. The Baptist self describes as the bridegroom in an allusion to Jeremiah about the voice of the bride or bridegroom. Jeremiah points to a New Covenant. Jesus is the Bridegroom who is to marry Israel. The “next of kin” who is marrying the Church. “He must increase and I must decrease” as Jesus would bear the children of the Church with His name Christian.

Father Richard Rohr introduces CAC staff member Drew Jackson offers this commentary from the “back pew”.

“Their good news ain’t never been heard like that around here. What’s good for them sounds like hell in my ear. You hear them cheerin? Four more years of their man. You know what that means for us? Nothin changin. Same ol same ol. Domination. Brutality. Low salary. We know what they mean when they say law and order. I heard that man Tutu said that good news to a hungry person is bread. What about if I’m just straight broke? I need that bread. And then preacher man gonna stand up here and tell us to wait until the sweet by and by. That’s what he says all the time. I’m tired of this. We need something different. But different ain’t never gonna come as long as we live under them. With their foot on our necks. I don’t even know why I keep coming. I mean, I guess it’s good to show face in this small town, but I’m not buyin what they’re sellin. If I’m honest, though, I think I’m still hoping to snatch some kind of good news up in this place. That’s why I sit here in the back. Only news they’ve got for me out there is some garbage about some bootstraps. Truth is, if it ain’t good for us, it ain’t good for no one. I need to hear some news that’s good from the bottom up.” (Rohr, n.d.)

We contemplate the occasions on our journey when the “shoshben” in our life made things better and petition the Spirit to guide our actions to respond to the needs of others.

References

John, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/3?22 

Meditation on John 3:22-30. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/01/10/1477452/ 

1 John, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1john/5?14 

Psalms, PSALM 149 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/149?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Good News for a Fractured World. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/good-news-for-a-fractured-world-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). This Joy of Mine Is Now Full. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Shirley, N. (2026, January 10). Daily Reflection January 10, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved January 10, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-january-10-2026