Today’s readings coincide with the solemnity of the sacred heart of Jesus, an event that falls in June, a month that some secular authorities associate with pride.  The readings for today caution us about pride and its attendant risks, guiding us instead toward humility that embraces God’s gifts of love and mercy. 

The reading from Deuteronomy rehearses important truths for the people of Israel after their exodus from Egypt.  The Lord chose to redeem them from a life of slavery to become his peculiar people.  His favor is not based on their merit (you are not that special), but instead from His divine prerogative.  This text cautions the people of Israel not to take God’s love and mercy for granted, but to show respect by diligently keeping his commandments.  This text shows that along with love and mercy, judgment is also a divine prerogative. 

Judgment in the hands of sinners like us can lead to erroneous conclusions.  Romano Guardini, in his great work entitled The Lord, comments on those difficulties, even when we judge ourselves: “Seldom does a person’s appearance reveal his true nature.  Even towards oneself there is much deceit.  The self-appraising eye looks away at the sight of the truth; the will hides its true intentions from itself and pretends to much that is non-existent.” True and just judgment will come when our Lord returns, and this judgment will come suddenly.  Will we be ready?

The reading from 1 John reveals the benchmark of love of God and love of neighbor.  We demonstrate that we remain in God’s love by loving others, but such love comes from our relationship with God.  Love reciprocates; it does not presume.  As the psalmist writes,

Merciful and gracious is the LORD,
slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us,
nor does he requite us according to our crimes.

We must respect God’s gift of mercy rather than presuming upon it, endeavoring to keep His Word. 

Today’s gospel provides encouragement for those undertaking these challenges of love and obedience, but not so much for those who choose to elevate their own wisdom and learning.  Self-sufficiency leads to alienation.  But our Lord beckons those who recognize their need to come and have a relationship with Him, receiving His mercy, love, and friendship.  Because he is “meek and humble of heart”, he calls us gently.  But he alone is strong enough to free us from the wayward desires that can enslave us.       

Lord, let us look soberly at the way we are living.  Help us to examine our pretentions to the non-existent, which we sometimes embrace because we look away at the sight of the truth. Give us faith and courage to leave behind the false bulwarks that we think protect us, but instead separate us from your love and mercy. Help us to respond to your gentle call.  Thanks be to God.