Welcome to the Reflection on Pope Francis’ Encyclical, ‘Dilexit nos’
Pope Francis’ fourth Encyclical, entitled ‘Dilexit nos,’ delves into the tradition and relevance of the profound love of the Heart of Jesus Christ, both human and divine. In this Encyclical, the Pope calls for a revival of genuine devotion to prevent the loss of the delicate fabric of faith, the happiness found in serving others, and the passion for mission.
Written by Alessandro Di Bussolo
“‘He loved us,’ as Saint Paul mentions about Christ, to remind us that nothing can ever separate us from that love,” thus begins the Encyclical. The title, ‘Dilexit nos,’ captures this sentiment perfectly.
The Encyclical centers around the love emanating from the Heart of Jesus Christ. The Pope emphasizes how His welcoming heart precedes us and eagerly awaits us, offering unconditional love and friendship. It is through Jesus’ love that we come to understand and believe in the immense love that God has for us.
For the full text of the Encyclical, click here.
The Essence of Christ’s Love Illustrated in His Sacred Heart
The encyclical points out the rise of various forms of religiosity in our societies that lack a personal connection with the loving God. Christianity often overlooks the comforting consolations of faith, the joy found in serving others, and the zeal for personal commitment to mission.
In response, Pope Francis urges a fresh contemplation of Christ’s love embodied in His Sacred Heart. He advocates for a revival of genuine devotion to the Sacred Heart, stressing that the entirety of the Gospel is encapsulated in His Heart. It is within His Heart that we truly discover ourselves and learn the essence of love.
The World’s Disconnect from the Heart
Pope Francis sheds light on how encountering Christ’s love enables us to foster bonds of brotherhood, recognize the dignity in every individual, and collaborate to care for our shared home. He draws a connection between ‘Dilexit nos’ and his social Encyclicals, ‘Laudato si’ and ‘Fratelli tutti.’ He prays for the Lord to shower the world with His light and love in these tumultuous times, with the hope of renewing the essence of the heart in a world afflicted by wars, socio-economic disparities, and dehumanizing technology.
This Encyclical coincides with the celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the first revelation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1673, culminating on 27 June 2025.
The Importance of Embracing the Heart
The Encyclical, divided into five chapters, underscores the necessity of reverting to the heart in a world consumed by consumerism and market-driven mechanisms. It explores the significance of the heart as the core that transcends outward appearances, leading to profound questions about one’s purpose, identity, and relationship with God.
Pope Francis highlights how the devaluation of the heart originated from historical influences focusing on concepts like reason, will, and freedom, neglecting the unifying power of love. He emphasizes that the heart defines our spiritual identity, enabling connections and unity that transcend individualism.
Transformation Starting from the Heart
The heart is depicted as a conduit for authentic bonding and a catalyst for overcoming fragmentation caused by isolation. The Encyclical draws inspiration from the spirituality of saints like Ignatius of Loyola and Saint John Henry Newman, illustrating how entering the Heart of Christ fosters a deep understanding, leading to societal transformation.
Actions and Words Reflecting Love
The Encyclical’s second chapter portrays Christ’s love through His words and deeds. His acts of compassion towards individuals like the Samaritan woman, Nicodemus, and the marginalized reflect God’s closeness and tenderness. The Pope accentuates Christ’s ultimate act of love manifested on the Cross, illustrating His profound sacrifice for humanity.
The Enigmatic Love of the Heart of Christ
Further delving into the sacred mystery of the Heart of Christ, the Encyclical delves into Church reflections on the devotion to the Sacred Heart. It emphasizes the multi-faceted love embodied by the Heart of Jesus, accentuating divine charity and human affection intertwining harmoniously.
The Sacred Heart: A Divine Synthesis
The Encyclical discusses the significance of devotion to the Heart of Christ as a quintessential aspect of Christian spirituality. Pope Francis underlines the need to rejuvenate devotion to the Heart of Christ, combating contemporary spiritless forms of spirituality that pervade society. He emphasizes the importance of returning to the embodiment of the Gospel in the form of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
A Journey of Love and Commitment
The last two chapters of the Encyclical focus on personal spiritual experiences and communal mission. Pope Francis explores the deep spiritual connection with Christ’s Heart, acknowledging St. Ignatius of Loyola’s influence in fostering an intimate heart-to-heart dialogue with Christ. The Encyclical underscores the communal and missionary dimension of devotion to the Heart of Christ, advocating for love for one’s fellow beings as the quintessential response to Christ’s love.
The Encyclical Prayer
The Encyclical concludes with a heartfelt prayer from Pope Francis, imploring Jesus to continue pouring out the streams of living water from His Sacred Heart, fostering healing, love, and service amongst mankind. The prayer wishes for a world united in love and solidarity, rejoicing in the presence of the risen Lord, who radiates eternal light from His open heart.
