In previous programs, we have discussed the first two chapters of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In the first chapter, entitled “The Importance of the heart”, it is approached from an anthropological perspective, while the second, “Gestures and words of love”, focuses clearly on biblical aspects. In this third chapter, Pope Francis takes a more theological and doctrinal look at devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Pope already mentioned in the first chapter of this series that theology, influenced by Greek philosophy, has long considered the affections as a subhuman reality, giving primacy to reason and reflection. However, the heart is the center of the person, where the spiritual and corporal dimensions come together. It is necessary to rescue and purify devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the face of rationalist skepticism. This psychosomatic connection to Christ has been maintained in the Church throughout the centuries, mainly through popular devotions.
Purifying Devotion from Sentimentality
Pope Francis points out that these popular devotions have looked directly at the human dimension of Christ with his feelings and sensitive love. However, it is also true that these devotions have led to a certain sentimentalism. It is enough to search Google for images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to see how a sentimental and autonomous vision of the heart has spread.
The heart, however, is the center of the person where intelligence, will and body come together. It is the place where the unity of soul and body that we are is manifested. In addition, it not only represents the person in general, but it manifests the relational dimension of the person. It is an invitation to dialogue, love, treatment and mutual giving.
Three Theological Considerations
In this third chapter, Pope Francis offers three theological considerations on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:
- The human nature of Christ: Devotion to the Sacred Heart clearly shows us the humanity of Christ. The first heresy in the nascent Church was not the denial of Christ’s divinity, but of his humanity. The Docetist heresies, coming from Gnostic and Manichean circles, considered matter and the body as something negative and impure. The Catechism of the Church affirms that we believe in God, creator of the flesh, in the Word made flesh to redeem the flesh, and in the resurrection of the flesh. Contemplating the Sacred Heart, we discover that Jesus has authentic feelings of joy, sadness and anger, which reveal his true humanity.
- The divine spiritual love of the eternal Word: Through the sensitive heart of Jesus, we reach the divine spiritual love of the eternal Word. Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who, in the womb of Mary, acquired our human nature. He is one person with two natures: divine and human. This dual character allows us to reach God himself. Contemplating Christ, especially in moments of suffering, we discover that his sensible love obeys a spiritual, human and divine love. Jesus, in accepting his passion, shows a total surrender, both sensible and spiritual, thus revealing the eternal love of the Son.
- The Trinitarian dimension: Devotion to the Sacred Heart also leads us to a deeper understanding of the Trinity. Christ revealed the relationship between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The perfect love between them shows us that God is love in his essence. This truth illuminates our own existence, since we are created in the image and likeness of God. The substantial love of God is reflected in us, although accidentally. This contemplation invites us to continually update love in our lives, following the example of Christ’s total and selfless love.
In summary, this third chapter of Pope Francis’ encyclical invites us to deepen our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, rescuing it from sentimentalism and understanding its rich theological dimension. By contemplating the Sacred Heart, we discover the true humanity of Christ, his divine spiritual love and the depth of the Trinitarian mystery. This devotion calls us to a more intimate relationship with Christ and to live God’s love in our lives in a full and authentic way.
