The heart of the priest transformed through the sacred heart of Christ

Abstract

This study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of how the heart of the priest is transformed through the Sacred Heart of Christ. This research is a bibliographical one. The dissertation draws particularly on insights and contributions of theologians Karl Rahner SJ (also explored through Philip Endean SJ) and Hans Urs Van Balthasar (also discussed by Dermot Power), scripture scholar Albert Vanhoye SJ, and moral theologian James F. Keenan SJ. These perspectives from theological literature and reflection are integrated, and insights of vulnerability are woven into the theology of the Sacred Heart and the transformation of the priest's heart. Sacred vulnerability emerges as the primary channel through which the heart of the priest is thus transformed through the Sacred Heart. This process happens through two processes that build and influence each other. The priest is transformed through his interior relationship with the Sacred Heart as he embraces his fragilities in His sight, unites himself through Christ's total 'Yes' to the Father, and surrenders his heart to be transformed through the Cross. The priest continues to be transformed as he is vulnerably responsive to the community in fraternity and mercy, and in turn, he is shaped by these relationships and through his Ministry. Richness can be derived from this perspective of intertwining the devotion to the Sacred Heart and the vulnerability through which the priest's heart is transformed. It can shed light on contemporary sensibilities and challenges related to ministerial priesthood.