A Father's Tenderness

Solemnity of Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

~~ Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8C-9 ~~Psalm 12~~Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19 ~~ 

~~~ John 19:31-37 ~~~

The tenderness of God is usually overlooked.

We tend to focus on the power and majesty of God.

We are awed by his great works of creation.

But today the prophet Hosea calls us to focus 

on God as the loving Father.

 ...it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,

who took them in my arms;

I drew them with human cords,

with bands of love;

I fostered them like one

who raises an infant to his cheeks...

What beautiful images...

God teaching us to walk...

God drawing us up in his arms to beside his cheeks.

Only a loving God could give us such a vision.

Hosea was inspired to give us this 

picture of God that seems to get lost.

When we are praying this is usually not 

the way we envision God.

While God is God and not a man,

still we have this human like image.

Hosea gives an image that we can relate to.

We can close our eyes and picture 

a father holding his child close to his cheeks.

The best way for God to connect with us

 is through that which means something to us.

As Father's Day approaches our media is focusing on father's.

This is the perfect time for us to be reminded 

of the Father we all have in God.

Whatever beautiful images we have of earthly fathers

loving their children God shares with us too.

God first loved us as a father loves his children.

The heart that loved us first was also pierced 

for us as Jesus hung upon the cross.

...one soldier thrust his lance into his side, 

and immediately blood and water flowed out.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,

we adore you and worship you.

You have redeemed us with your holy blood.

The love God has for us as our father

is also the love that created the sacrifice to save us.

Blessings flow to you from the 

Sacred Heart of Jesus.

~~~Peace~~~