When I would accompany my late mother to her doctor appointments and when she was hospitalized, I noticed her blood pressure would always be taken. Once I asked the doctor why he always takes her blood pressure. The answer was simple but very profound – “It is the heart that tells us whether there is still life.”

If this is true for our body, it is very true for our spiritual life. It all comes from the heart. Further, today we celebrate the Sacred Heart. It reminds us that, also in our spiritual life, it is the heart that tells us whether a person still has a spiritual life.

Three indicators of the heart that have spiritual life.

• First, forgiveness. Since it is relationships that put meaning in life, forgiveness is very important. Yes, even if the relationship will not work out, we still have to forgive so that we can move on, let go, and be healed. It is so hard to live with bitterness, anger, and resentment in one’s heart.
• Second, giving. A management guru once said, “Giving is the highest form of living.”  The best way to give is when we are faithful to the mission that God has given us. We get to use the time, talents, and treasure for the very reason that it was given to us – to be a blessing to others. 
• Third, hope. A loving heart is full of hope because that heart always trusts God. A hopeful heart continues to make a positive difference in the world because even amidst persecution, a hopeful heart continues to be “Light of the world and salt of the earth.”

Let us remember that we have a God who is love. When he answers our prayers, whether yes, no, or not yet, it is the most loving response. When the crosses of life are heavy, he is always with us; when we lose our way, he will always find us. We pray that we may experience the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our lives. After all, as a quote once said,” The heart sees what is essential in life.”