The Sacred Heart of Jesus

Why do we honor a physical heart? The Church teaches that the heart is the symbol of the total love of Jesus—both divine and human. When we look at the Sacred Heart, we see the love that drove Him to the Cross and the love that keeps Him present in the Eucharist.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church connects this devotion to the very essence of who God gave His heart fully to us.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart also involves "reparation." We offer our prayers and small sacrifices to make up for the indifference and offenses that wound His heart in today's world. We try to love Him for those who refuse to love Him.

"Jesus knew and loved us each and all during his life, his agony and his Passion, and gave himself up for each one of us: 'The Son of God... loved me and gave himself for me.' He has loved us all with a human heart." (CCC 478)

The scriptural foundation for this devotion is found at the very end of the Passion. Even after Jesus died, His heart remained open to us.

This happens every Sunday (and every day!) at our parish. We come in with our worries, sometimes "blind" to God's presence, but in the breaking of the bread, He reveals Himself to us.

This moment is the birth of the Church. The blood and water symbolize the Eucharist and Baptism. It reminds us that His heart was literally broken and opened so that grace could pour out onto the dry earth of our lives.

"But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water." (John 19:34)

1. Enthronement of the Sacred Heart

Does Jesus have a place of honor in your home? If you haven't already, consider "enthroning" the Sacred Heart. Place a picture or statue of His heart in a central place (living room or kitchen). Gather the family and pray a simple prayer of consecration, inviting Him to be the King of your household.

2. First Fridays

There is a long tradition of attending Mass on the First Friday of every month in honor of the Sacred Heart. If your schedule allows, try to make it to Mass at St. Anthony or OLP on the first Friday of June. Offer your communion for the conversion of sinners.

3. The Morning Offering

This is the simplest way to live the devotion. Every morning, offer your day to the Sacred Heart. You can say: "O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings of this day." This turns even your commute or your chores into a prayer.

Most Sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Your altar. We are Yours, and Yours we wish to be.

To be more surely united with You, behold, each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Your Most Sacred Heart.

King of most renowned strength, grant perseverance to Your faithful people; grant peace and order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to It be glory and honor forever.

Amen.

The Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart.

Visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque:

In the 1670s, Jesus appeared to French nun St. Margaret Mary, showing His heart surrounded by thorns, aflame, and surmounted by a cross, revealing His profound love and sorrow for humanity's ingratitude.

Jesus' Requests:

He asked for a special feast day (the Feast of the Sacred Heart) and devotion to His heart, particularly through the First Friday Communion and a Holy Hour on Thursdays.

Formal Establishment:

The devotion grew, and Pope Pius IX officially instituted the Feast of the Sacred Heart for the entire Church in 1856, placing it on the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi, which usually falls in June. 

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart:

Celebrated on the Friday after the second Sunday after Pentecost (or after Corpus Christi), this is a major liturgical event.

First Friday Devotions:

Catholics often make a special effort to receive Holy Communion on the First Friday of the month (or for nine consecutive months) as an act of love and reparation.

Eucharistic Adoration & Benediction:

Parishes hold extended adoration, focusing on Jesus truly present in the Eucharist, often with Benediction.

Acts of Reparation:

Making small sacrifices, offering prayers, and performing acts of charity to atone for sins against Christ's love.

Home Consecration:

Families might consecrate their homes and families to the Sacred Heart, asking for His blessings.

Prayer:

Reciting the Litany of the Sacred Heart, special prayers, and meditating on the image of the Sacred Heart.