+JMJ+
Is there a struggle you just can’t seem to overcome? Are you in a rut? Is it possible there is a plan for your life that exceeds your wildest dreams? Turn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and you will be absolutely amazed!
The verse, “All things are possible with God” appears in the Gospels of Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, and Luke 1:37 as well as multiple other books of the Bible. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a symbol of God’s love and mercy for humanity.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus originated in the eleventh century and became more widespread after St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 1600’s. It is reparation for the ingratitude for Christ’s sacrifice. In 1765, Pope Clement XIII approved a special liturgical observance in France which was expanded to the world by Blessed Pope Pius IX in 1873. Pope Leo XIII elevated to a feast in 1899. Today, the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated on the Friday following the Feast of Corpus Christi.
At least three encyclicals have been written on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, including one most recently by Pope Francis.
St Margaret’s account quotes words that Jesus said to her, “My Divine Heart is so inflamed with love for men, and for thee in particular that, being unable any longer to contain within Itself the flames of Its burning charity, It needs to spread them abroad by thy means, and manifest itself to them (mankind) in order to enrich them with the precious treasures which I discover to thee, and with contain graces of sanctification and salvation necessary to withdraw them from the abyss of perdition. I have chosen you as an abyss of unworthiness and ignorance for the accomplishment of this great design, in order that everything may be done by Me.”
Years ago, I started attending First Fridays sheerly for the social aspect of a homeschool mom group after Mass. God is so good even when our purpose is very lost! Prior to that, I would have never voluntarily attended daily Mass. My life has been completed changed through the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I have experienced many graces and amazing consolations clearly related! I’m sure plenty more abound, that I failed to realize.
My experience is not unique and God’s graces are available to anyone devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I highly recommend starting your First Friday devotion this month!
There are many forms of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The most commonly known is the nine First Fridays. The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of June to the Sacred Heart. Additional options include Novenas, Litanies, Act of Reparation, Consecration, a Chaplet, and daily prayers.
Promises of the Sacred Heart
The Sacred Heart of Jesus made several promises to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque for those who practice this devotion faithfully:
- I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
- I will give peace in their families.
- I will console them in all their troubles.
- I will be their refuge in life and especially in death.
- I will abundantly bless all their undertakings.
- Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
- Tepid souls shall become fervent.
- Fervent souls shall rise speedily to great perfection.
- I will bless those places wherein the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and venerated.
- I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
Persons who propagate this devotion shall have their names eternally written in my Heart.
In the excess of the mercy of my Heart, I promise you that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the first Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: They will not die in my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour.
