The Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated this Friday 16 June 2023. At the Chapel within the Marist Hermitage in Mittagong, there is a stained glass window depicting the Sacred Heart of Jesus (pictured below). When given the opportunity to really sit with this icon, it becomes apparent that there are many layers of thought and meaning which have great significance today. 

Many of us are initially struck by Jesus’ heart in this icon as it is not within the body. It is a heart that is exposed and can be seen by others. And it is a heart that is wounded and pierced. This exposed and wounded heart speaks of the importance of authenticity and of the power of vulnerability.

In Jesus’ exposed heart we see an authentic Jesus who revealed who he was through the way he lived and loved. He let others around him know where his heart was at and he was able to reveal through his words and actions what was most important to him. Where is your heart? And how do you show others what’s important to you or what you love the most?

In Jesus’ wounded heart we see a vulnerable Jesus who revealed that these painful wounds can also be sources of new life. Experiencing pain is a natural part of the human condition and yet we are not always comfortable sitting with our own woundedness or the woundedness of those around us.

“Vulnerability is not weakness, it’s our greatest measure of courage.”   Brene Brown

One of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves or to another human being is to offer a space for these pains or struggles to be named. At times we either avoid discussing these more painful issues out of fear of upsetting someone further or we move into a practical response and try to do things for someone in pain. Whilst these are most generous acts, sometimes what is needed even more, is the willingness of someone to sit with them in their struggle. 

Dr Susan David, a Clinical Psychologist, recently shared a short reflection on social media about the power of just sitting with someone in their pain. She expressed that one of the most powerful phrases we can share with someone is, “Tell me more”. She went on to say, “It is such a gorgeous invitation to a shared sense of exploration and a shared moment of compassion.”

As we look a little further at this icon we also see Jesus pointing to his own heart with one hand and to heaven with the other hand. This gesture highlights the way in which, through our human loving acts, we can experience and share divine love. As we share our authentic and vulnerable selves with others and allow others to do the same, we reveal the person of Jesus Christ. 

A Moment to Reflect:
How do you respond to your own woundedness or to the woundedness of others?
Do you run away or do you see these as opportunities for life to come forth?