11 June 2021 The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

When Israel was a child, I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called my son.
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,
I took them up in my arms;
but they did not know that I healed them.
I led them with cords of human kindness,
with bands of love.
I was to them like those
who lift infants to their cheeks.
I bent down to them and fed them.

Hosea 11:1,3-4,8-9, NRSV

In this poignant passage, the prophet Hosea likens God’s love for the people of Israel to that of a parent for a child. This is a parent whose tenderness and desire to protect are so strong as to find the idea of any separation from or harm to the “child” unbearable. Even though Israel was often unfaithful, God remained constant; caring for this child even though they did not always recognise that this was the case. On this day of the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are also reminded of the boundless and passionate love of God.

• • Why do you think God’s people did not seem to appreciate the love they were shown?
  • How do you experience God’s love for you?

Try to see others as God would – perhaps especially those whom you find it hard to love.