A BLEEDING HEART IS A LOVING HEART

I have often been called a "bleeding heart liberal", a title which, I constantly shunned because I thought I was just being sane. But this morning I thought: "the Sacred Heart is a bleeding heart." Jesus, too, was a bleeding heart liberal. He hung out with the publicans and sinners of His day; He associated with the poor and the children; He walked among the sick and infirm. You would not find a Republican or a conservative within a mile of those. Jesus' compassion was not meted out in portions: to some and not to others. Jesus was not conservative with His compassion. In other words Jesus was no compassionate conservative. Let me be clear. There is absolutely nothing wrong with demanding personal responsibility and accountability. This is a necessary attribute for climbing spiritual heights. It's also necessary for a good productive life. So it's not a Republican or a conservative value.


There is a scene in the New Testament when a woman caught in the act of adultery is brought before Jesus (odd that the man was not brought as well, don't you think?) In that scene the MEN who captured her wanted to stone her. Jesus simply said, "let he who is without sin caste the first stone." One by one the men each dropped their stones. They each were sinners in their own right. That is one of my favorite scenes and lessons in the Holy Bible. Republicans and Conservatives would do well to study it. Jesus does not condemn the woman, He does not blame her, He does not judge her. Again, quite simply yet powerfully He says to her: "go, sin no more." Jesus confronted her with only Love and understanding. One can imagine that Jesus provided a powerful impetus for change in her life. That kind of Love, from a bleeding heart, can inspire people to change, to move along. Judgement and negative criticism do not.


So I will now proudly wear my bleeding heart because the greatest bleeding heart has inspired mankind for well over two thousand years. His example looked upon by earnest believers is what introduces Love into hearts, minds and communities around the world. Others satisfy themselves with dogma and doctrine all the while separatingthemselves from the Spirit of Jesus' teachings, from His Love.