On the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart in a World of Conflict

A Day of Love Amid the Cries of War

Yesterday, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, a feast that draws us into the very depths of divine tenderness and mercy. The Heart of Christ, pierced and aflame with love, offers us not only comfort but a call—a call to love, to heal, to be agents of peace in a broken and wounded world.

In Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis echoes the sorrow of that pierced Heart:

“Behold this Heart, which has so loved humanity… and in return receives ingratitude.” (Dilexit Nos, §93)

And yet, even in the face of rejection, His Heart keeps loving.

Our Conscience Amid the Chaos

These days, our screens are filled with news of rising tensions between Israel and Iran, a conflict with the potential to spark wider regional instability. The pain is global, and the temptation is great—to take sides, to speak quickly, or to remain silent in helplessness. But as Catholics, we are invited to something more profound: not merely reaction, but reflection guided by the Heart of Christ.

What is our responsibility when the United States, our nation, seeks to play the role of peacemaker in this escalating conflict between Israel and Iran? How do we discern when to act, what to support, and how to speak in a way that honors both justice and peace?

We must begin, not with ideology, but at the foot of the Cross. From the Sacred Heart of Jesus flows the mercy that teaches us to see every life—friend, enemy, soldier, civilian—as infinitely loved.

The Sword and the Wound

We must never speak of war without first grieving its reality. Every act of violence, even one considered justifiable, is a sign of our failure to live in the fullness of love. As Catholics, we are not called to glorify war but to mourn it, and only then ask: Is this truly the last resort? Is the cause just? Will this protect the innocent, or will it harm the vulnerable?

Living the Sacred Heart in a Time of Division

As Dcn. Ping reflected in our community’s recent talk on Chapter 5 of Dilexit Nos:

“Jesus thirsts—not for achievements, but for our hearts.”

That is where peace begins—in the heart, transformed by grace.

“Love for Christ must overflow—what we receive in prayer, we must give in service.”

It is not enough to pray for peace—we must live it. We must demand integrity from our leaders, mercy in our speech, and justice in our policies. We must resist the simplification of this deeply complex conflict, where history, faith, politics, and pain intersect. We must pray that America’s involvement truly serves the cause of peace, not power. and instead labor for truth, healing, and reconciliation.

Our Task: The Work of Reparation

As Pope Francis teaches:

“Reparation is not punishment—it is cooperation in restoring goodness.”

Let our response to violence be not apathy or vengeance, but reparation: the quiet, powerful rebuilding of dignity and life wherever it has been stripped away.

Imitate the Heart, Don’t Just Admire It

“The Sacred Heart burns with longing not to be admired, but to be imitated.” – Dcn. Ping

So on this solemn feast, as war drums beat and peace feels far off, let us not despair. Let us anchor our hearts in the Heart of Jesus and move forward, not in fear, but in hope—committed to love boldly, suffer with the afflicted, and sow peace wherever God plants us.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, intercede for us.

Let peace begin in our hearts—and flow through us into the world.