The Sacred Heart: A Collection of Devotions, Histories, and Meditations |
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June is the month Holy Mother Church designates as a time of special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This devotion reminds Catholics of one of the essential dogmas of the Faith, namely God's love for all men. At the same time, the Church invites the faithful to make reparations to the Sacred Heart for their own sins and those of the whole world. These reparations can come in the form of special prayers, acts of penance such as fasting, and almsgiving. To assist Catholics on their spiritual journey during June, we present articles dedicated to the Sacred Heart curated from the U.S. District's archives. Read the articles here>> |
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The Heart of Jesus in Our Tabernacles |
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CONSIDERATION.
In the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacred Heart performs there the office of a mediator, continually interceding for us. If God does not utterly exterminate the human race on account of sins which cry for vengeance to heaven, we know that it is because the Heart of Jesus is perpetually pleading with Him, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." It performs the office of a priest, sacrificing itself every day for us on a thousand altars. It performs the office of a father, feeding us with its own flesh and blood. It performs the office of a master and teacher, instructing us, by its very condition in the Blessed Sacrament, in the virtues most necessary for us: silence, recollection, humility, contempt of the world, patience, resignation, devotion.
APPLICATION.
These are but a few of the claims which the Heart of Jesus has upon our love. We know them; we understand and feel what it requires of us in return. And yet we are so cold, so dead, even before the Blessed Sacrament, even in our Communions! Why is this? Is it not from too strong an attachment to the world and to ourselves? Perhaps it is due to certain affections which, if not sinful, are at least sensual, taking too strong of root in our hearts.
Taken and adapted from Practical Meditations, available here>> |
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Ever since our Lord came to earth and was crucified, ever since His heart was opened with the lance, souls that are truly Christian have turned toward the merciful heart of Jesus. And there is no doubt that devotion to the Sacred Heart is above all, fundamentally, devotion to the mercy of God. |
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