June 16th, 11:47 AM

Fr. Ryan’s Homily - Day 5

As we gather on this fifth day of our pilgrimage, we find ourselves in one of the most recognizable churches in the world: the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, known as Sacré-Cœur, overlooking the city of Paris from the heights of Montmartre.

This magnificent basilica was built after a period of great turmoil in France during the late nineteenth century. It was conceived as a place of prayer, reparation, and hope—a visible reminder that God’s mercy is greater than humanity’s failures. Since 1885, there has been almost continuous Eucharistic adoration here, day and night, making this holy place a beacon of prayer for all of France.

It is fitting, then, that we celebrate Mass here today as we hear Jesus’ challenging words from the Gospel of Matthew:

“Offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on your right cheek, turn the other one as well.”

These words are among the most difficult teachings of Jesus. They seem almost impossible. Our natural instinct is to defend ourselves, to seek revenge, to get even. Yet Jesus calls us to something radically different.

Notice that Jesus is not telling us to be weak. He is not saying that evil is acceptable. Rather, He is teaching us that hatred cannot overcome hatred. Violence cannot heal violence. Only love has that power.

We have spent the last several days walking through places that tell stories of both human greatness and human suffering. We stood on Omaha Beach and gazed upon the American Cemetery, where thousands gave their lives in the struggle against evil. We visited places associated with St. Thérèse, who fought not with weapons but with holiness, sacrifice, and love.

Today, here at Sacré-Cœur—the Basilica of the Sacred Heart—we are reminded of the heart of Christ Himself. The Sacred Heart is not a symbol of weakness. It is the symbol of a love so strong that it endured betrayal, mockery, scourging, and crucifixion without ever ceasing to love.

When Jesus turned the other cheek, He was not surrendering. He was conquering evil through mercy. When He stretched out His arms on the Cross, He was not defeated. He was victorious.

Pilgrimage has a way of revealing our hearts. Long bus rides, early mornings, crowded places, unexpected inconveniences—these things can test our patience. Perhaps the Lord is inviting each of us today to ask: Where do I need a little more of the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Where am I holding onto resentment? Where am I keeping score? Where do I need to forgive?

In a special way, this question is before us because at the conclusion of this Mass we will consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A consecration is more than a prayer we recite; it is an offering of ourselves. We are placing our lives, our families, our parish, our hopes, our wounds, and even our sins into the Heart of Christ. We are asking Him to make His Heart our home and our refuge.

Just a few days ago, the bishops of the United States renewed the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Today, here in this basilica dedicated to that same Sacred Heart, we have the privilege of making that consecration personally. What a grace it is to do so in a place where countless pilgrims have come seeking the love and mercy of Christ.

As we celebrate this Mass in the crypt beneath this great basilica, let us ask the Lord to make our hearts more like His own—hearts capable of mercy, patience, generosity, and love.

And may the Sacred Heart of Jesus, watching over Paris from this hilltop and watching over each of us throughout this pilgrimage, teach us that true strength is found not in getting even, but in loving as Christ loves.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.