Two weeks ago, on Oct. 24, Pope Francis wrote a beautiful letter to the universal Church called “He Loved Us”, or “Dilexit Nos” in Latin, but I think he really had our parish in mind when he penned it. This is because the theme of his writing is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and he figures St. Margaret Mary prominently in its content.
In his opening paragraphs, the Pope states that ‘we were made to love and to be loved’. But then he goes on to say, ‘when we witness the outbreak of new wars, …or petty power struggles over partisan interests, we may be tempted to conclude that our world is losing its heart.’ The most decisive question we can ask, he says, is: “Do I have a heart?”
He then writes strongly about the need to turn to the greatest love of all, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which he calls the ‘heart of the world’. By concrete actions and relationships with people in the Gospel stories, Christ showed the depth of his love. Pope Francis then quotes today’s reading from Philippians which says: “Christ emptied himself, taking the form of a slave.” Love knew no limits for Christ’s Sacred Heart, even choosing death on the cross to show his burning love for us.
This very readable encyclical, which can be found on the internet, and our Philippians reading today dovetail wonderfully. St. Paul wants his listeners to have Christ’s attitude, an attitude that comes from his heart, and to remember that Christ’s example is how we should live. Paul earnestly wants the community to manifest the qualities of Christ: compassion, mercy, selflessness. As they imitate Christ, especially in their suffering, may they do so with humility, respect and love, becoming more concerned about others rather than themselves.
This is such a fitting message for us to hear today, Election Day. As Catholics who imitate Christ in these difficult times, we sincerely pray for our candidates, the process, the issues, and our country’s beloved democratic traditions. As we vote, we also pray, in keeping with St. Paul message to have Christ’s attitude, to treat one another with dignity and respect now and in the days to come. This way of the heart is the way to find unity, peace, and reconciliation.
The Pope’s closing words in his letter is this prayer, again, very appropriate for this day:
“I ask our Lord Jesus Christ to grant that his Sacred Heart may continue to pour forth the streams of living water that can heal the hurt we have caused, strengthen our ability to love and serve others, and inspire us to journey together towards a just, solidary and fraternal world.”
