So to them he addressed this parable. "What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.' I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. (Lk 15:3-7
Feast of the Sacred Heart speaks of repentance. Heart of Jesus is for reconciliation. Heart of Jesus is for repentance. Heart of Jesus is for building up relationship and for bridging the gaps. Interestingly it is said that repentance is preferred to righteousness.
Shepherd goes after the lost sheep. He does not wait for the lost to return. He goes after it. He goes after it at the loss of all the rest of his belongings. He is ready to lose everything else that he possesses. Saving the lost seems to be his top priority and the only goal.
There is joy and celebration at the occasion of finding the lost. This feast of the Sacred Heart proposes the themes of repentance, going after the lost, and celebration at the time of finding the lost. Could we say that every heart becomes sacred when these elements are found in it?
