The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus holds great significance within the Catholic Church as a profound celebration of love, mercy, and devotion. It commemorates and honors the compassionate heart of Jesus Christ, symbolizing his divine love for all humanity. This feast reminds believers of the profound message of God’s boundless love, forgiveness, and redemption, inviting them to embrace the transformative power of Christ’s heart and emulate its virtues in their own lives. It serves as a reminder of the central role that love plays in the Christian faith, inspiring believers to deepen their relationship with Jesus and strive to embody his selfless love in their actions, thereby fostering unity, compassion, and healing within the world.
Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. See how to determine the correct year.
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Year A
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Year B
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Year C
Mass Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Year A
- First reading – Deuteronomy 7:6-11: In this passage, Moses reminds the people that they were chosen by God not because of their size or greatness, but because of His love and faithfulness. Moses encourages them to understand that the Lord is the one true God who keeps His promises to those who love Him and follow His commandments. He emphasizes the importance of observing and obeying God’s instructions.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: This psalm invites us to bless the Lord with all our hearts and remember the countless ways He benefits us. The Lord forgives, heals, redeems, and shows us kindness and compassion. He is merciful, gracious, and full of kindness, not treating us harshly for our mistakes and wrongdoings.
- Second reading – 1 John 4:7-16: In these verses, the writer encourages us to love one another, explaining that love comes from God. God has shown His love by sending His Son to give us life and make up for our sins. Therefore, we should love one another and allow God’s love to dwell within us, as God Himself is love.
- Gospel – Matthew 11:25-30: Jesus expresses gratitude to the Father for revealing His wisdom to humble individuals while concealing it from the wise. He invites all who are tired and burdened to come to Him for rest. Jesus promises to relieve them of their heavy loads and provide rest for their souls through His gentle and humble nature.
Mass Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Year B
- First reading – Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9: The Lord loves and cares for Israel like a nurturing parent. He shows them unconditional love and compassion, holding back His anger and promising not to destroy them. The Lord, who is holy, remains present among His people, protecting them from harm. He is the Holy One present among them.
- Responsorial Psalm – Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6: With confidence, I find joy in the source of salvation, praising God for His wonderful deeds. I lift up His name and acknowledge His presence among us in Zion.
- Second reading – Ephesians 3:8-12, 14-19: By God’s grace, I declare the immeasurable riches of Christ and reveal His hidden plan. Through faith, we have confidence, access, and are filled with His fullness, understanding His limitless love.
- Gospel – John 19:31-37: After Jesus died on the cross, the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out. This event fulfilled the Scriptures and provided evidence of the truth of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Mass Readings for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Year C
- First reading – Ezekiel 34:11-16: The Lord assures His scattered sheep that He will care for them. He will gather them from foreign lands, provide them with lush pastures, rest, and seek out those who are lost or injured. The Lord will shepherd them with justice and compassion.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord is our caring shepherd who gives us rest, guidance, and protection. He blesses us abundantly and fills us with joy, even in the presence of our enemies.
- Second reading – Romans 5:5b-11: Through the Holy Spirit, God pours His love into our hearts. Even when we were still sinners, Christ died for us, justifying and reconciling us to God. This act ensures our salvation and demonstrates God’s immense love for us.
- Gospel – Luke 15:3-7: Jesus shares a story about a shepherd who leaves his flock to search for one lost sheep. When he finds it, he joyfully carries it back home, celebrating its return. This story illustrates God’s relentless love and care for each individual.
More About Lectionary Cycles
Learn more about the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and translations of the Bible used at Mass for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
How to Determine the Liturgical Year
To determine the liturgical year given any calendar year, follow these steps:
- Add the Digits of the Year: Start by adding the digits of the calendar year. For example, with the year 2025:
- 2 + 0 + 2 + 5 = 9
- Check for Divisibility by Three: See if the sum is divisible by three. If it is, that year is “Year C” in the liturgical cycle. Since 9 is divisible by 3, 2025 is “Year C.”
- Determine the Following Years: The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C. If 2025 is “Year C,” then:
- 2026 will be “Year A”
- 2027 will be “Year B”
- Account for the Liturgical Year Starting in Advent: Remember that the liturgical year starts in Advent, which usually begins in late November or early December of the previous calendar year. Therefore, the liturgical year 2025 began in December 2024. This means that any liturgical events or readings designated for 2025 would have started from the first Sunday of Advent in December 2024. So Advent 2024 is the beginning of Year C.
By following these steps, you can determine the liturgical year for any given calendar year.
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