90 Oxygen

Now Discern This: "Dilexit nos" and the Art of Good Eye Contact

Published on
Now Discern This: "Dilexit nos" and the Art of Good Eye Contact
  • Pope Francis' encyclical 'Dilexit Nos' centers on the transformative power of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, emphasizing it as a symbol of divine love and a unifying principle that transcends all barriers.
  • The encyclical calls for a rediscovery of the heart's importance in achieving personal sincerity and communal unity, suggesting that starting from the heart can facilitate reconciliation and connection in a divided world.
  • The discussion of good eye contact in the context of the encyclical reflects the themes of sincerity and communal interaction, highlighting how genuine engagement through eye contact mirrors the reciprocal love and devotion found in the Sacred Heart of Christ.

Culture every morning

Always be up-to-date. Get the freshest on culture, every morning to your inbox.


In his latest encyclical, "Dilexit Nos" (translated: "He Loved Us"), Pope Francis has issued a profound call to rediscover the transformative power of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The encyclical, which was released on October 24, 2024, invites believers worldwide to delve into the boundless love and compassion that emanates from the heart of Christ. This article will explore the key themes and insights from "Dilexit Nos" and examine how they relate to the art of good eye contact—a seemingly unrelated yet fascinating topic.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus: A Fountain of Love

Pope Francis' encyclical is a deeply personal and spiritual reflection on the human and divine love of the Sacred Heart. The title, "Dilexit Nos," is taken from Saint Paul's Letter to the Romans, where it is written, "What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? ... No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:35, 37-39).

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is not merely a symbol; it is a living, breathing embodiment of God's love. Pope Francis emphasizes that this love is the unifying principle of all reality. Christ is the heart of the world, and his paschal mystery is the ultimate expression of divine love (Vatican.va).

Rediscovering the Importance of the Heart

In an age where superficiality often reigns, Pope Francis stresses the need to rediscover the importance of the heart. The Bible speaks of the heart as "the locus of sincerity, where deceit and disguise have no place. It usually indicates our true intentions, what we really think, believe and desire, the 'secrets' that we tell no one: in a word, the naked truth about ourselves" (America Magazine).

This rediscovery is not just about personal reflection but also about communal unity. Pope Francis writes, "It is only by starting from the heart that our communities will succeed in uniting and reconciling differing minds and wills, so that the Spirit can guide us in unity as brothers and sisters" (Catholic News Agency).

The Heart as a Wellspring of Peace and Unity

The heart of Christ is described as "ecstasy," openness, gift, and encounter. It is through this heart that we learn to relate to one another in wholesome and happy ways, and to build up in this world God’s kingdom of love and justice. The pope affirms that "the wounded side of Christ continues to pour forth that stream which is never exhausted, never passes away, but offers itself time and time again to all those who wish to love as he did" (Catholic News Agency).

This theme of unity and reconciliation is particularly relevant in today’s world. As Pope Francis notes, society is facing a "wave of secularization" and division, and it is only by starting from the heart that we can hope to unite and reconcile differing minds and wills (Catholic News Agency).

The Art of Good Eye Contact: A Reflection of the Heart

Good eye contact is often seen as a simple yet powerful social cue. It can convey respect, attention, and sincerity. However, it is more than just a physical act; it is a reflection of our inner state. When we maintain good eye contact, we are showing others that we value their presence and are genuinely engaged in the conversation.

This concept is closely tied to the themes of devotion to the Sacred Heart. When we focus on the heart of Christ, we are reminded of the importance of sincerity and true intentions. The heart is not just a physical organ but a symbol of our deepest desires and intentions.

Saint John of the Cross wrote, "The infinite love of the risen Christ is not perceived as alien to our lives. The infinite in some way ‘condescends’ to enable us, through the open heart of Christ, to experience an encounter of truly reciprocal love" (Vatican.va). Similarly, good eye contact is a form of reciprocal love—it involves both giving and receiving.

The Communitarian Dimension of Devotion

Pope Francis emphasizes the communitarian, social, and missionary dimension of any authentic devotion to the Heart of Christ. He writes, "In the final chapter, Francis emphasizes the communitarian, social and missionary dimension of any authentic devotion to the Heart of Christ, which, as it ‘leads us to the Father,’ also ‘sends us forth to our brothers and sisters’" (America Magazine).

This dimension is crucial in fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. When we focus on the heart of Christ, we are reminded of our common humanity and our shared need for love and compassion. Good eye contact, too, can help us connect with others on a deeper level, fostering a sense of community and shared understanding.

Conclusion: Unity Through Love

In "Dilexit Nos," Pope Francis offers a timely reminder of the transformative power of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through this devotion, we can rediscover the importance of sincerity, true intentions, and communal unity. These themes are not only spiritually profound but also remarkably relevant to our daily lives.

The art of good eye contact is a reflection of these principles. By maintaining good eye contact, we show others that we value their presence and are genuinely engaged in the conversation. This act of reciprocity is deeply rooted in the concept of the heart as a symbol of love and sincerity.

As we reflect on the insights from "Dilexit Nos," let us remember that unity and reconciliation are not just spiritual ideals; they are practical tools for building stronger communities. By focusing on the heart of Christ and maintaining good eye contact, we can foster deeper connections and promote a more loving and compassionate world.


References: