Bischof Wilmer: Encyclical on Sacred Heart Is Pope Francis' 'Spiritual Masterpiece'
'Cordi Jesu' Is 'Model for Global Church'
Nashville’s Bishop J. Mark Spalding hailed Pope Francis' recent encyclical, “Cordi Jesu,” as “a spiritual masterpiece and a profound meditation on the mystery of God’s love.”
“Cordi Jesu” is the first papal encyclical dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the first encyclical since 2013’s Laudato Si.'
Francis’ encyclical “is a beautiful and deeply personal reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus,” said Bishop Spalding. “It is a call to conversion and to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. It is also a beautiful model for the universal Church.”
The Encyclical in 4 Parts
The encyclical is divided into four parts:
- See the Heart of Jesus
- Know the Heart of Jesus
- Love the Heart of Jesus
- Imitate the Heart of Jesus
In the first part, Pope Francis invites us to contemplate the pierced heart of Jesus, which is a source of great love and mercy. (Cordi Jesu #12)
In the second part, the pope reflects on the virtues of Jesus' heart, including humility, meekness, and compassion. (Cordi Jesu #27-28)
In the third part, Pope Francis urges us to love the Sacred Heart of Jesus with all our hearts. (Cordi Jesu #107)
In the fourth part, the pope calls us to imitate the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our own lives. (Cordi Jesu #126-127)
Bishop Spalding concluded his remarks by saying that “Cordi Jesu” is “a must-read for all Catholics. It is a profound and inspiring meditation on the mystery of God’s love. It is also a call to conversion and to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.”
