A look at Dilexit nos

By Justice Dr Anthony Gafoor

The encyclical Dilexit nos: On the Human and Divine Love of the Heart of Jesus Christ from Pope Francis, released on October 24, 2024 (coinciding with my own late father’s birthday who was devoted to the Sacred Heart) explores the profound love of the Heart of Jesus Christ, both human and divine.

Drawing from biblical and historical foundations, the document delves into the devotional tradition surrounding the Sacred Heart and its spiritual fruits. The practical implications for the Christian life are also examined, culminating in a final exhortation for the faithful.

At the heart of the Christian faith lies the unfathomable mystery of the love of God, revealed in the incarnation, life, and Passion of Jesus Christ. The heart of Jesus, both human and divine, is the tangible expression of this boundless love that embraces all humanity and invites to a deeper relationship with the triune God.

Pope Francis invites us to contemplate the dual nature of the heart of Jesus, which is at once fully human and fully divine. This divine-human love, manifested in the pierced Heart of Christ, is the wellspring of our salvation and the model for our own spiritual growth.

In this encyclical letter, the Holy Father guides the faithful in exploring the theology of the Sacred Heart, delving into the biblical and historical foundations that have shaped this profound devotion. The document also examines the devotional tradition and the spiritual fruits that have flowered from this encounter with the heart of Christ.

Furthermore, the encyclical outlines the practical implications for the Christian life, inviting the faithful to an intimate relationship with the Heart of Jesus and a deeper integration of its transformative power into their daily lives.

Exploring the theology of the Sacred Heart

The Holy Father examines the scriptural references that point to the centrality of the heart of Jesus, from the piercing of His side on the cross to the prophecies that foretold the outpouring of His love.

The encyclical traces the development of the devotion to the Sacred Heart, highlighting the pivotal role of saints and mystics in the Church’s understanding of this profound mystery.

The document also delves into the deeper theological implications of the Sacred Heart, exploring its role as the embodiment of God’s love, the source of grace, and the model for Christian discipleship.

The biblical and historical foundations

The encyclical explores the biblical account of the piercing of Christ’s side on the cross, which became the wellspring of the devotion to the Sacred Heart. The document highlights the pivotal role of saints and mystics, such as St Margaret Mary Alacoque, in the development and promotion of the devotion to the Sacred Heart.

Moreover, the Holy Father also examines the prophetic passages that foretold the outpouring of God’s love from the heart of the Messiah, setting the stage for this profound devotion.

The devotional tradition and spiritual fruits

The encyclical explores the rich devotional tradition that has emerged around the Sacred Heart, including the practices of consecration, the nine first Fridays, and the Litany of the Sacred Heart. These devotional practices have long been a source of grace and spiritual renewal for the faithful, drawing them into a deeper relationship with the Heart of Christ.

The Holy Father highlights the transformative power of the devotion to the Sacred Heart, which has borne abundant spiritual fruits in the lives of the faithful throughout history. These fruits include a heightened sense of God’s merciful love, a greater desire for holiness, and a profound commitment to serving others in imitation of the Heart of Jesus.

The encyclical reveals how the devotion to the Sacred Heart has been at the very heart of the Church’s spiritual life, inspiring generations of believers to deepen their love for Christ and to live out the gospel with renewed fervour.

Practical implications for the Christian life

The encyclical encourages the faithful to develop a deep, personal relationship with the Heart of Jesus, drawing strength and inspiration from the unfathomable love revealed in the Sacred Heart.

The Holy Father exhorts the faithful to strive to conform their own hearts to the Heart of Christ, embracing the virtues of mercy, compassion, and self-giving love that are reflected in the Sacred Heart.

The encyclical emphasises the role of the devotion to the Sacred Heart in fostering a deeper encounter with the infinite mercy of God, which transforms the lives of believers and empowers them to extend that mercy to others.

The Holy Father suggests that a renewed commitment to the devotion to the Sacred Heart has the power to revitalise the Church, strengthening its witness to the world and its commitment to the gospel of love.

Conclusion and final exhortation

In the concluding section of the encyclical, the Holy Father issues a final exhortation to the faithful, calling them to embrace the transformative power of the devotion to the Sacred Heart. He reminds them that the Heart of Jesus, both human and divine, is the tangible expression of God’s boundless love, a love that desires to dwell within the hearts of all believers.

The Holy Father encourages the faithful to open their hearts to the profound mystery of the Sacred Heart, allowing its life-giving grace to flow into their lives and to shape their discipleship.

He expresses the hope that this renewed devotion will bear abundant spiritual fruits, leading the Church and the world to a deeper encounter with the merciful love of God.

Dr Anthony Gafoor is a Judge, Lay Minister, and a member of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission