In Celebration of the Sacred Heart: The Call to Awaken Lumorik

 

Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a feast that invites us to reflect deeply on the boundless love and divine passion of Christ for humanity. This Sacred Heart is not a passive affection but a blazing furnace of divine love, a fire that devours all that is worldly, transforming the soul into one of pure devotion and self-giving.

In our modern age, however, the word "passion" has become diluted. It is often associated with fleeting emotions, desires, or the lower movements of the soul—those impulses that draw us toward immediate gratification, distraction, or self-interest. Passions, in this sense, are often seen as forces of instability, leading the soul away from virtue and toward excess or indulgence. The lower passions—the appetites for comfort, pleasure, and self-centered pursuits—can leave us restless and unfulfilled, always searching for something that satisfies, yet never truly filling the soul.

To express the type of divine, higher passion that we see in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have coined the word "Lumorik." This term blends the ideas of light (from the Latin lumen) and amore (love in Italian and other languages) to reflect a transcendent, divine passion. Lumorik is a radiant, higher passion that moves the will to seek the good and the intellect to pursue truth. It is a passionate fervor that awakens the soul, drawing it toward truth, goodness, and divine beauty. This kind of passion is the fervor of Christ's love, which St. Paul describes as “the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge” (Ephesians 3:19).

Unlike the fleeting passions that often govern our daily lives, Lumorik is sustained and transcendent. It is a divine fire that ignites both the heart and the mind. Without Lumorik, both the will and intellect can grow tired or bored, leaving us spiritually stagnant. When this higher passion is absent, our pursuit of truth can feel dull, and our desire for the good can lack energy and direction. But when Lumorik is kindled within us, it fills us with purpose, joy, and clarity, propelling us toward agape—the selfless love that Christ modeled on the Cross.

In the Devotion to the Sacred Heart, we are called to contemplate the depth of Christ’s love and His passionate desire for our salvation. As St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, who promoted the devotion, received the words from Christ: “Behold this heart which has so loved men that it has spared nothing, even to exhausting and consuming itself, in order to testify to them its love.” (Revelations of St. Margaret Mary). This passion is the very Lumorik we seek—a burning, self-giving love that moves us to action, to give of ourselves in service to God and to others.

In light of the Sacred Heart, we should pray for Lumorik to ignite within us. Let us ask Christ, whose heart burns with love for us, to awaken in our souls this higher passion—a passion that will sustain us in the face of life’s challenges, guide our intellect toward divine truth, and empower our will to seek what is truly good. When Lumorik is present, our lives are filled with purpose, beauty, and a devotion that transcends the fleeting passions of this world.

As we celebrate the Sacred Heart today, let us remember that the love Christ offers is not just a feeling—it is a fire, a transforming passion that can stir us to live for something greater. May we pray for the grace to be enflamed with Lumorik, so that our hearts may mirror His, and our lives may reflect the love that burns eternally in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

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Scripture References:

 Ephesians 3:19: “The love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge.”

 Matthew 11:29: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

 John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Citations:

 The Revelations of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, 1673–1675

 Devotion to the Sacred Heart, Fourth Revelation: Promoted by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, focusing on Christ's deep, personal love for humanity.

Pope Clement's Letter to the Romans (Written in Exile, Quarry)

 Introduction:

This letter is a fictionalized account of what Clement of Rome might have written to the Church in Rome, when exiled to labor in a quarry in the Crimean Peninsula (modern-day Ukraine) during his later years as Pope. While there is no historical record of Clement’s actual words under such circumstances, it is known that he was exiled to Chersonesus (in Crimea), where he endured harsh labor, likely in mines, as a form of punishment for his Faith. This letter seeks to reflect his pastoral care, his deep concern for the faithful, and his unwavering hope in Christ's grace, even in the face of suffering. Inspired by the tone and themes found in Clement's authentic letters to the Corinthians, this letter imagines him writing from a place of physical hardship, in exile in a quarry, enduring suffering for the gospel, yet maintaining his faith and encouraging the Corinthians to hold fast to the truth and live in the love of Christ.

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The Clement's Letter to the Romans (Written in Exile, Quarry)

Opening Salutations:

To the beloved Church of God in Rome, called to be saints, grace and peace from God our Father, through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and in the unity of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Brothers and sisters, though I write from the depths of this harsh quarry, far from the comfort of your fellowship, my heart remains close to you. My hands are worn and my body burdened by toil, yet I am filled with a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7). It is the strength of the Lord that sustains me in these trials, and it is that same grace I pray will sustain you. Though my chains hold my body captive, they cannot restrain the love I have for you or the hope I have in God’s eternal promises (Rom. 8:39).

Exhortation in the Face of Suffering:

As I work here, laboring with stones beneath the sun’s burning heat, I am reminded daily of Christ’s suffering. His cross, which once seemed a symbol of defeat to the world, is in truth the source of our salvation (1 Cor. 1:18). The blood and water from His side, which are the life-giving waters of Baptism, have washed us clean and rebirthed us by grace (John 3:5; 19:34; Titus 3:5). My own suffering, though real and heavy, is now united with His greater sacrifice (Col. 1:24).

When weariness threatens to overtake me, I remember the words of the Apostle Paul, who says, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair” (2 Cor. 4:8). Though I labor without rest, my spirit is not broken, for I know that this suffering has a purpose. Brothers and sisters, you too face trials, whether in your bodies or hearts. I urge you to see your burdens as part of God’s refining process (1 Peter 1:7). Remember that if Christ could endure the cross, we too can endure the trials of this life (Heb. 12:2). Through suffering, we grow closer to Him, and we are made more like Him (Rom. 8:17).

The Necessity of True Doctrine:

Even here, amidst the dust and sweat, I cling to the doctrine we received from Christ Himself. True doctrine is not mere knowledge, nor is it for the purpose of pride or debate (1 Cor. 8:1). Doctrine is the means by which we are transformed; it is the path that leads us in grace (John 14:6).

Brothers and sisters, I say this not to lecture but to remind you of what is at stake: even the devil knows the truth (James 2:19). But knowing the truth is not enough; we must live it. True doctrine is meant to shape our hearts, to guide us to live as Christ lived—full of love as adopted sons of God and for each other (Eph. 5:1-2). As I labor here, I reflect on how our knowledge must come alive (James 2:26). Doctrine must transform us, moving us from simply knowing about Christ to truly living in His love (1 John 3:18).

Doctrine as the Path to Grace and Transformation:

This truth, the doctrine we hold dear, is the very path to grace. Grace is not a mere abstract concept; it is a living relationship that transforms our hearts (2 Cor. 12:9). Grace empowers us to love when it is hard, to forgive when we are wronged, to endure when the weight seems unbearable (Matt. 5:44). Without grace, all knowledge is empty (1 Cor. 13:2). But with grace, even in our suffering, we find strength (Phil. 4:13).

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, to hold fast to the doctrine you received. This doctrine is the very essence of life; it is the path that leads to the love of God, which is the heart of all grace (1 John 4:8). If we do not live according to this truth in love, our knowledge is of no value, for it has not transformed our lives (1 Cor. 13:2). It is like water running over a rock; its surface may appear wet, but the inside remains dry (Matt. 23:27).

The Role of Love in Christian Doctrine:

Love is the fulfillment of the law, the ultimate goal of all doctrine (Matt. 22:37-40). When we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, we cannot help but love our neighbor (1 John 4:21). But love is not just a feeling—love is a force that shapes how we live, how we act, how we speak (1 Cor. 13:4-7). It is the love of God that empowers us to endure trials, to grow in grace, and to reflect His image in the world (Rom. 8:29).

Brothers and sisters, I implore you, without love, all else is in vain (1 Cor. 13:1-3). Doctrine teaches us to love, but it is only effective if we allow it to shape us. The love of God is the greatest treasure we can possess (1 Cor. 13:13). Let us hold fast to it, and let it transform us into the likeness of Christ (2 Cor. 3:18).

Call for Faithfulness and Obedience:

Even as I labor here, I remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God is refining me through this time (James 1:3). I ask for your prayers, that I might remain faithful to the end, as the apostles Peter and Paul did, who finished their race with endurance and unwavering faith (2 Tim. 4:7-8). My heart is filled with hope that one day I will see you again, but until then, I will continue my labor, trusting in God’s plan (Rom. 8:28).

I urge you, dear ones, to remain faithful, especially in times of trial. The same grace that strengthens me in this labor strengthens you in your struggles. We are not alone. The love that Christ showed on the cross is the same love available to you now, in every moment, in every challenge (Rom. 8:37).

Conclusion and Benediction:

May the grace of God be with you always, filling your hearts with love and guiding your every step. Remain steadfast in the doctrine you have received, for it is the path to eternal life, the source of all grace, and the key to living in the fullness of God’s love (John 14:6).

With all my love and prayers, I remain your brother in Christ, in chains and in labor.

Clement, a servant of Christ 

Homily: Modern Errors

 Homily: Modern Errors

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings.” (Hebrews 13:8–9)

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

We live in confusing times. The headlines are filled with scandals. The pews are half-empty. And often, the voice of the Church sounds uncertain—even when it should thunder. We need to name the errors so we can find orientation.

But problems within the Church are not new. But unless we can name them we cannot expel them. 

The Church has faced heresies before—denials of Christ’s divinity, rejections of His sacraments, distortions of His teachings. What is new is that many of these errors now wear the mask of compassion, dialogue, or discernment. 

Let me speak plainly today about seven errors we see spreading in the Church—errors that wound the Body of Christ and endanger souls. I do so not to cause division, but to call us all back to the clarity of truth.

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1. Modernism

What is it? It denies the objectivity of doctrine. It says dogma changes with time, and truth must bend to experience.
What does it reject? The permanence of revelation. The Magisterium as guardian of truth.
Why does it matter? Because if truth changes, then Christ becomes unknowable. And faith becomes just a feeling.
📖 “Guard the deposit entrusted to you.” (1 Tim 6:20)

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2. Religious Indifferentism

What is it? The belief that all religions are equally pleasing to God.
What does it reject? The uniqueness of Christ, the need for the Church, the call to conversion.
Why does it matter? Because if all roads lead to heaven, then why preach the Gospel at all?
“There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

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3. Universalism

What is it? The idea that everyone is saved—no matter what.
What does it reject? God's Justice. Morality. The teaching of hell.
Why does it matter? Because it removes urgency to repent and convert—if God saves you anyway.
“The gate is narrow, and few find it.” (Mt 7:14)

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4. Liberation Theology

What is it? A political gospel, replacing salvation with revolution.
What does it reject? Grace. Redemption. The spiritual mission of the Church.
Why does it matter? Because it makes Christ a political figure, not a Savior.
“My kingdom is not of this world.” (Jn 18:36)

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5. Situation Ethics

What is it? The idea that morality depends on context, not on right and wrong.
What does it reject? Absolute truths—like the sanctity of life, or the sinfulness of certain acts.
Why does it matter? Because it excuses sin with a smile. It teaches that feelings trump commandments.
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil.” (Is 5:20)

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6. Feminist Theology

What is it? A rejection of the order and distinction Christ gave His Church—particularly in the priesthood.
What does it reject?The complimentary roles of man and woman. That Christ chose men as apostles. That the priest acts in the person of Christ, the Bridegroom. Women give physical birth, men give spiritual birth. 
Why does it matter? Because it turns the priesthood into a power struggle instead of a sacred calling.
“I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man.” (1 Tim 2:12)

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7. The Toleration of Abortion and Euthanasia

What is it? The silence—or even approval—of evil in the name of mercy.
What does it reject? That human life is sacred, from conception to natural death.
Why does it matter? Because when the Church no longer defends life clearly, the most vulnerable die unheard.
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” (Jer 1:5)

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What Can We Do?

These are not just ideas. They are souls at stake. We cannot pretend these errors are harmless. The Church is a mother, not a debating society. Truth is not harsh—but it is sharp.

So what must we do?

• Read the Catechism.

• Pray the Rosary every day.

• Go to Confession regularly.

• Teach your children what the world will not.

• Support faithful priests—and correct those who mislead.

• Love the truth more than comfort.

We are not called to be popular. We are called to be faithful. The Church does not need to reinvent herself. She needs to remember who she is.

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Final Word

Let us pray for clarity in the pulpit, courage in the pews, and conversion in our own hearts.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” And His truth does not change.

Amen.