At the heart

Even as we salute the beginning of one of the sports world's most celebrated sports, today also marks the end of a year which has been dedicated to priests.

Last year, on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Church began observing a special year dedicated to priesthood. Today in the Vatican, during the closing celebrations, the Holy Father reflected on some of the blessings which have already been observed over these past months. Unlike the prizes of glory which the world seeks and often finds, these blessings are deep truths which at times are hidden in the shadows of doubt and fear, yet they are very present and for the heart that seeks, and the soul that thirsts, they are refreshing reminders that we are indeed but the instruments of God who is at work in the world.

It is Christ who invites human beings to enter into his heart, to follow him with devotion and inspired by his love for us (for them) to respond in love toward others who also thirst to follow in his footsteps.