Missionaries of the Sacred

During his ministry, Jesus would one day break out in praise of his Father for having revealed the truth to little ones:

“I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to mere infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.” (Mt 11:25)

Jesus then presented himself as an example:

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Mt 11:29)

Jesus revealed the humility of his Sacred Heart in the crib at Bethlehem. The infant in the crib is God. Yet he already tells us loudly and clearly that his heart is thoroughly human. His Sacred Heart is very much like our own hearts, except that it is much more pure and dedicated. He will, however be able to suffer and be tempted as we are.

As Our Lady of the Sacred Heart contemplated her infant Son, she could not, of course have foreseen that she would be the mother of us all. The knowledge would await further reflection in the years to come. What we saw was the Messiah for whom her people longed. She also saw the great responsibility which she, as his mother, would have to help prepare him for his mission.

When Our Lady of the Sacred Heart regards us as disciples of Jesus, she sees people who are spiritual infants. On the one hand, we are called to be adult and to have the courage to make adult decisions in our lives. On the other hand, we are called to be always obedient to the will of God and to be unpretentious in our relationships with our brothers and sisters. We are infants too, in that we are a long way from the spiritual perfection for which God has destined us.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus graces us to grow up spiritually. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart nurtures us as she once nurtured the infant in the crib.

Prayer:

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, because of the mercy of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I am able to call you mother. I have such a long way to go from where I am now in my becoming a true disciple of Jesus. You know the way because you have yourself grown in understanding and holiness by the grace of your Son.

Your humility is a reflection of his. You did not take pride in your great privilege as mother of the Messiah. In your own way, you were as simple as your infant Son. I pray you may teach me how to be simple and open to the will of God, as Jesus and you always were.

In the silence of the first Christmas night, I wait with you for the coming of Jesus into my life to be my joy and, at times, my sorrow. In your loving care, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, I can receive both joy and sorrow with the peace of Christmas, knowing that you are always at my side.