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Saint Arnold: The Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Missionary Heart

Author: Saju George Aruvelil SVD
Subject: Heart of Jesus
Language: English, Spanish
Year: 2022
Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sacred Heart of Jesus

Jesus said: Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart (Mt 11: 28). It is the only verse in the Bible where there is a person who explicitly says: “learn from me”. According to some Bible scholars, Jesus would have said it when the seventy-two disciples he had sent returned from the mission (Lk 10: 1-22). Jesus was meek and humble totally. It is what stands out through the great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is understood that Saint Arnold had this intuition when he chose the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the year 1875 to buy a property and begin his missionary activity. Because he knew it and said that “the proclamation of the Gospel is the most sublime expression of love for one’s neighbor”.

Sacred Heart of Jesus
Sacred Heart of Jesus

Jesus calls “blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Mt 5: 8). The word “heart” is mentioned 743 times in the Bible, and is used in different circumstances. (Ps 13: 5-6. 119: 7). This term has a polysemic meaning in the Bible, for example, will, desire, motivation, etc. As an intellectual activity, Jesus asked “why do you think evil in your hearts?” (Mt 9: 4). In the Acts of the Apostles, they ask as a purpose of heart to remain (11: 23). They also point out these as the hearts “of every evil conscience” (Heb 10: 22) or “of rejoicing hearts” (Jn 16: 22). “Where your treasure is, your heart is” (Mt 19: 21). It is a very well-known verse. It is the place of virtues and vices. “The heart is treacherous above all things and beyond healing” (Jr 17: 9). That is why a faithful believer expresses his desire: “I treasure your words in my heart so that I do not sin against you” (Ps 119: 11).

God judges a person’s motives by his heart. Israel was still “uncircumcised in the heart” (Jr 9: 25-26) and has a treacherous heart (Os 10: 2). “Love God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Mt 22:37) is the divine commandment. In the Bible we find the totality with the expression “with all our hearts” (Dt 30: 1-3, Jl 2: 13. Jos 22: 5). That is, our heart is the place of our relationship with God. “My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will also rejoice” (Prov 23: 15). That is why “I want to praise you, Lord, with all my heart…” (Ps 9: 1).

The heart makes people what they are. Because our heart is the door of our being. Jesus said whoever looks at a woman desiring her has already committed adultery in his heart (Mt 5: 28). Because, “man looks at the external appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sm 16: 7). Engrave me like a seal on your heart (Cant 8: 6). God is merciful and compassionate (Jl 2: 13). The figure of the silent lamb symbolizes meekness in Isaiah (Is 52: 13-53: 12).

It is a missionary mandate. It is understood that Jesus’ exhortation to “learn from me…” is also what missionaries have to practice. Because meekness and humility are an exercise of the heart. So the missionaries should not exercise power but the attitude of humility and docility, kindness and gentleness. Let us not confuse humility with humble financial or social condition (James 1: 9-10). That is, the virtue of humility is for everyone. This leads us to forgive the offenses of others (Mt 6: 14-15). Meekness is what conciliates violence, aggression and brings peace.

Thus, the prayer of Saint Arnold May the Holy Triune God live in our hearts and of all humanity is not only a wish but a missionary mandate to achieve meekness, humility and love so that the darkness of sin that would dominate the heart and prevent charity and doing welfare.

Saju George Aruvelil SVD
Saju George Aruvelil SVD

Saju George Aruvelil SVD is from India. He is one of the first OTP who has gone to Argentina. He finished  his theological studies for the priesthood also there. He then began his service  in the education field in  our SVD  institutions. He obtained a licentiate in Spirituality from Pontifical University of Comillas, Madrid. He also  holds a doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical University of Argentina, Buenos Aires. He also helps in the formation of laity and religious candidates. He gives retreats and leads workshops, seminars, etc. He has a radio program and writes in a local newspaper.  At present he is a promoter of  Laudato Si Movement for caring for the Earth together with his parish priestly pastoral activities.

2 Responses

  1. Gracias, Señor, por el regalo de la vida de Saju George,compartida en la parroquia de La Saleta de Alcorcón, Madrid. Fue una bendición tenerle con nosotros, especialmente para mí. No olvidaré nunca esos “miércoles de misa de sanación” en que nos bendecía con el Santísimo. También compartiendo con nisotros la evolución de su tesis. ¡GRACIAS!

  2. Gracias P. Saju!!!
    …”Nuestro corazón es la puerta de nuestro ser…” Hermosa síntesis …
    Abrazo misionero!

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