| The Spirituality of the Heart and Religious Freedom |
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| Friday, 17 June 2011 00:00 |
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An excerpt from an article by Fr. David Foxen, MSC 
The point of religious freedom is to respect the beliefs and practices of others because we recognize their fundamental human dignity. As missionaries we do not see our mission limited to any one group for it is a call to reach out to every person. We are formed in the Spirituality of the Heart, and the Spirituality of the Heart is the basis of dialog with every person, regardless of their personal religious convictions. It is an understanding of God’s love, made human in the person of Jesus Christ, that transcends language and culture. In the Gospels we see the unseen love of God become visible and present in the human words and actions of Christ. In the deepest sense, it does not really require words. God’s love is revealed in the healing touch, the comfort to the widowed mother, the respect and forgiveness shown to the woman at the well or the woman about to be executed. The Spirituality of the Heart is realized when we listen to the person whose life has become darkness or who has lost a loved one. Or the Heart is present when we share someone’s relief, accomplishment, or discovery of their own value and dignity. They may be Catholic or we may have no idea of their faith or lack of faith background. We listen, we are present, we offer what we have. The Spirituality of the Heart speaks all languages. It is not limited by doctrine or adherence to a belief system. It is the humanity of Christ reaching out to touch a human being who needs his love. Perhaps someday, even today, he will discover who is the source ofthat love. Perhaps one day he or she will be filled with the light of Jesus Christ. And even if not, we know that through our weak and very human reaching out, Christ has touched that person. The Spirituality of the Heart is the greatest realization of dialog. It always finds the common ground, the shared value, what binds us together and binds us to God. It respects differences and acknowledges the other’s right to find their way and act on what they believe. It opens new doors and lets light overcome the dark. |
Lord Jesus, we praise you and celebrate the love of your heart. We honor you, we glorify you. We are grateful for your help this day. We offer our thanks; we consecrate and give our hearts to you. Take them, hold them fast and make them your own forever. Fill them with your life. Let us follow all the ways you mark for us. Jesus, merciful Savior, may your love be known everywhere.
V: May all people know the goodness of God.
All: And God’s wonderful kindness toward them.
Lord Jesus, with renewed kindness you enrich your Church with the boundless gifts of your heart. Help us to respond to such love, to serve you truly in our lives, and to live as reflections of yourself--holy and blameless--so that others may come to the fullness of Christian life. Amen.
Feast of the Sacred Heart Slideshow
Join Us in the Devotion to the Sacred Heart
Step 1: Follow the Way of the Heart
In each MSC community, our members use the “Follow the Way of the Heart” prayer booklet every morning. We invite you to join us in this daily devotion, which includes a special prayer for each day of the week.
Step 2: Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart
Every evening, our members pray the Prayer of Consecration to the Sacred Heart (below on this page). Please consider joining us in this prayer.
Cost is $2 per booklet and $1 per prayer card (for orders within the USA). To order the “Follow the Way of the Heart” booklet and the Sacred Heart prayer card, please call our office at: (630) 892- 2371 (M-F 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).