“By encouraging devotion to the Heart of Jesus, [Pope Pius XII] exhorted believers to open themselves to the mystery of God and of his love and to allow themselves to be transformed by it…it is still a fitting task for Christians to continue to deepen their relationship with the Heart of Jesus, in such a way as to revive their faith in the saving love of God and to welcome him ever better into their lives.” – Pope Benedict XVI

We often talk about the love of God, about God being love, and I think we have at least an intellectual grasp of the fact that God loves us.  As the Church celebrates the Sacred Heart of Jesus today, we are called to enter into that knowledge more fully.  I think sometimes we’re afraid of God’s love, because it’s so powerful.  And so we admit that God is love, and that He loves us, but we build walls around our hearts to keep that love out.  It seems safer, or perhaps easier, that way.

Ask God to tear down those walls today.  Ask Him to fill your heart with the love that is in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  Surrender your heart to His, and see what beautiful things happen as a result.  Know that you are loved.

Some news and notes:

PRAYERS:  No baptisms this weekend, and no recent funerals, but if you want a couple to pray for – or at least be inspired by – then pray for Charles and Lena Cannoni.  Yesterday was their 71st wedding anniversary.  And if you need a place to pray, remember that Eucharistic Adoration is available from now until 8 AM on Saturday.

RUMMAGE SALE:  The Rummage Sale is upon us!  The sale is open from 9-5 today and 9-noon tomorrow.  Come by and browse; there are tons of treasures available.  My sincere and very profound thanks to all the volunteers that have already put a ton of work into this project.

APPALACHIA:  Please keep the Appalachia Mission Group in your prayers in the coming week.  Most of the team will depart Sunday morning after the 8 AM Mass for a week of service and prayer in Mullens, WV.

SUMMER FAITH FORMATION:  This coming week is the last week to register for Vacation Bible School.  Also, time is running short to register for Marantha.  See the bulletin for details.

DEACON MING:  Seminarian Ming will become Deacon Ming on Saturday, June 23.  The parish will have a bus going to the cathedral that morning so we can celebrate and pray with him.  If you are interested in joining us, please call the parish office.  Also, Deacon Ming will be preaching the noon Mass at St. Richard on July 1, and there will be a reception for him afterwards in the social hall.

PARISH PICNIC:  Save the date for the annual Parish Picnic – Sunday, July 15.  More details will follow.

I kept this short, and I got it out early today.  Hopefully this is a sign of a great weekend to come.  Enjoy your weekend, and know that you are loved.  See you at Mass!

Peace,

Fr. Mike