Homily for Wednesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time

The human heart has traditionally been seen as a symbol of love. However, in the Gospel passage for today, Jesus presents a different perspective. He states that the human heart is the source of evil intentions that cause harm and destruction to others.

The heart represents a person's innermost core, which can possess both light and darkness. It can be a reservoir for good or a channel for evil.

In the Christian faith, the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a powerful image that embodies the selfless love of God. It was an image that was prominent in my home while growing up and continues to be so today. This love was fully revealed in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, and it is a creative and life-giving force.

Our calling as Christians is to strive for hearts that reflect, to some degree, the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We must aim to have an inner core that participates in God's inner core. This great vision of our calling is beautifully captured in the prayer, "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of your love."