August 27, 2021

The heart tends to ossify over time. Exposure to too many tragedies – especially in an age of instant global access – can numb and harden us. One can only absorb but so much. Wealth can further isolate, and pride is always a threat to buttress one away from the concerns of others.

It seems to me that God is a heartbreaker. (I never liked that Pat Benatar song.) Yet, God is clearly in the business of breaking hearts, for a broken heart is an open heart, a receiving heart, a dependent heart. The psalmist says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)

Let’s stick with Neil Young instead. “Only love can break your heart.” And only Love can put it back together too.

“O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Proper 9 – BCP)