The Sacred Heart of Jesus is Open to All

“And My delights were to be with the children of men” (Prov. 8, 31).

First Prelude: Behold Jesus on the Cross; a soldier pierces His Heart with a spear.

Second Prelude: O Jesus, let me realize the mystery of Thy opened Heart, and grant that I may take up my abode in this hallowed place of refuge.

FIRST POINT

THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS IS OPENED FOR US THAT WE MAY REALIZE HIS LOVE

When our Divine Saviour said to St. Margaret Mary: “Behold this Heart!” He exhorted us to contemplate His Sacred Heart. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is, as it were, an open book full of wisdom, knowledge and virtue, in which the saints learned the knowledge and the practice of perfection. In the Sacred Heart they recognized clearly the way the Lord had traced for their sanctification. Though this way was rough and burdensome, a way of the cross, full of sacrifices and sufferings, they found strength in the Sacred Heart of Jesus to pursue it courageously, even joyfully. They understood the art of appropriating to themselves the immense treasures of the Sacred Heart, and to draw in fullest measure from this fountain-head of life eternal, consolation, encouragement, fortitude and perseverance.

Oh, that we understood the art of drawing copiously from this inexhaustible source of graces! Whatever our hearts desire, light, wisdom, virtue and all good gifts are to be found there abundantly. If we are destitute of heavenly goods, and our goal still seems afar off in uncertainty, we dare not yield to discouragement, for the Heart of our God is even open to us and with Him nothing shall be impossible. Let us endeavor to discharge our daily duties conscientiously. Every little sacrifice will merit for us an increase of love which will impel and strengthen us to still nobler sacrifices. Sanctity consists in constant fidelity in little things and in the zealous endeavor to perform our daily actions in a perfect manner. Let us, then, hasten ever again to the portals of grace, to the Heart of Jesus, that we may grow rich in virtue and thus correspond with the infinitely loving designs of our Divine Saviour.

Have I striven to learn the science of the saints from the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Do I comply with the longing of the Saviour to draw from this fountain-head of graces whatever I lack?

SECOND POINT

THE SACRED HEART IS OPEN THAT WE MAY HIDE THEREIN

The Divine Heart of Jesus desired to be wounded to open for all men the door through which they can enter to rest and conceal themselves in this hallowed refuge. St. Bernard realized this when he cried out: “Oh, how sweet it is to take up one’s abode in the Sacred Heart of Jesus!” St. Francis de Sales, amidst the greatest and most varied occupations, maintained perfect peace and serenity of soul, because he constantly dwelt in this lovable abode. At all times the Sacred Heart of Jesus was the secure refuge of faithful souls. They gladly returned to this Sanctuary of Love, this interior solitude to enjoy the presence of God. Oh, that the Divine Heart might also be our favored refuge. Are we distracted by the works of our vocation, let us gently urge our soul to return to this sweet abode, there to taste again the delights of recollection. If during prayer, our spirit tempts us to wander, let us fly to this holy temple and unite ourselves with the fervor and the perfection of the prayers of Jesus. If our hearts are dismayed at the sins of the past, or the abuse of the graces received in religion, let us hide in this secure fortress, from the wily attacks of the Evil One, who strives to effect our ruin by plunging us into mistrust and despair.

Let us reanimate our confidence at the thought of the love of Jesus, Who, in order to reopen heaven for us, shed the last drop of His Precious Blood. At the approach of death and especially in our last hour, we will redouble our confidence in His Sacred Heart, and conceal ourselves in this sure refuge, which Jesus, by His death, opened for all. What a consolation in that dread moment will be the thought that we have always striven to live in union with the Divine Heart, and that we, therefore, now hope to find in this sacred resting place an abode of peace, happiness, and bliss for all eternity.

Affections:

O adorable Heart of my Saviour! Thou wert opened with a lance that we might always have access to Thee, the fountain-source of mercy. Thou dost never withdraw Thy graces from those who are drawn to Thy Sacred Wounds by sentiments of sincere compunction, strong affection and tender gratitude. I will, therefore, come confidently to the open portals of grace; will enter into the hallowed sanctuary to gather new strength; to draw from this unfathomable ocean for myself and others all heavenly goods. I will beg my Saviour to immerse my heart so deeply into His, that it may find in Him a secure refuge for life and the most agreeable resting place for all eternity. Immaculate Mother, thou spotless sanctuary of the Heart of Thy Son, show us the way to this dear Heart, that earthly affections may not lure us from thee but that, despising the goods of earth, we may find our delight and joy in the wound of the Sacred Side.

Resolution:

I will entrust my prayers, labors and sufferings to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and especially in time of temptation and trials, have recourse to Him.

Spiritual Bouquet:

“One thing have I desired, O Lord, that I may dwell in Thy Heart all the days of my life.”

Prayer:

O JESUS, LIVING IN MARY

O Jesus, living in Mary! come and live in Thy servants, in the spirit of Thy holiness, in the fullness of Thy might, in the truth of Thy virtues, in the perfection of Thy ways, in the communion of Thy mysteries; subdue every hostile power, in Thy spirit for the glory of the Father. Amen.

(Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Oct. 14, 1859.) 

"Dear Diary"

HE  STAYED

Monday Evening – June 30th, 1956

Dear Diary

This morning Robert picked us up early for Mass at St. Mary’s, and Mini was waiting at the door with her ears perked and her little bottom wiggling. She always knows when it’s Church day. The road was quiet as we rode along, and Sister Mary Claire pulled out a meditation she’d saved for today—the last Monday in June.

She read it softly, but the words stayed loud in my heart:

“Knowing that the hour was come when He would go to the Father, Jesus would not leave us… but found a means to remain with us in the adorable Sacrament of the Altar, to the end of time.”

Jesus stayed. Not just as a memory or a story, but really—truly—in the tabernacle at St. Mary’s. He’s there right now. Thinking of us. Waiting.

After Communion, I tried to kneel extra still, just to be near Him. I whispered: Jesus, I know You’re here. I want to stay too. When we got back in the truck, Sister showed Robert and me an old photo someone had sent her. It was from Quebec, Canada. There were people gathered outside a church, all kneeling down on the ground. No ceremony—just quiet, plain people kneeling because they knew Jesus was inside.

It made my heart hurt in a strange way. Not bad, just deep. Like I’d remembered something important that the world seems to be forgetting. That’s when I thought of the poem I’d read once from the little book on Sister’s shelf—the one that says:

There is a glorious legend

Of the times now passed away,

Of the times when faith was brighter

Than it is in this our day—

That part always gives me goosebumps.

Sometimes I wonder if I was born too late. I think I would’ve knelt with them. Maybe I still can. Not in Quebec, and not out in the field—but right here in this day, in this Church, in this heart. That’s what Sister said too: “Jesus didn’t stay just for those old times. He stayed for ours.”

So tomorrow I’ll try to go inside St. Mary’s for just a minute—even if the candles aren’t lit and the pews are empty. I’ll kneel, and I’ll tell Him what the meditation reminded me: You give all You have—Yourself, Your Sacred Humanity, Your Divinity, Your infinite love. I want to give You back a little love too.

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for staying. Even when the world forgets, don’t let me forget. Let my little heart be Your kneeler.

Love,

Kathy

Effects of The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

“My son, give Me thy heart: and let thy eyes keep my ways” (Prov. 23, 26).

First Prelude: Behold Jesus in the tabernacle revealing to us His love-inflamed Heart, and pleading: “My child, give Me thy heart!”

Second Prelude: Teach me, O my Jesus, to realize the essence of perfect abandonment, and give me grace to practice it.

First Point

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Teaches Us Perfect Abandonment

“He hath loved me and delivered Himself for me,” says the apostle (Gal. 2, 20).

Oh, that we would realize what sacrifices of love the total surrender of the Saviour comprised! Full of compassion He took upon Himself the fatiguing labors, sufferings and humiliations of His earthly career. His Heart was ready for any sacrifice. Beholding our Divine Exemplar, let us learn the effects that devotion to the Sacred Heart should produce in us. To give our all to God, to accept all things at His hands, to suffer for love of Him, to discharge for His honor whatever obedience enjoins upon us, is, in very deed, conforming our heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Let us, therefore, say with the Psalmist: “My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready” (Ps. 107, 2).

Oh, how God is glorified by such a complete surrender! How the confidence it implies honors Him, and how He is constrained to be, as it were, at the beck of souls so completely His own. He observes their every thought, desire and inclination. He counts the steps they take on the path of perfection, that He may bestow His graces in the measure of their fidelity. Total surrender to God is the securest way to sanctity, and, therefore, to true happiness. Blessed, indeed, are souls who surrender themselves wholly to Jesus and His love, desiring nothing, seeking nothing, save God alone. Weighed down with crosses they still remain calm, placid and resigned, in the conviction that nothing can befall them, no temptation assail them unless God permits it for their good, and at the same time, imparts the energy necessary to achieve the victory over difficulties.

Let us strive more and more to forget self and all creatures to think solely of God and the accomplishment of His Divine Will, that Jesus may lead us, too, on the way of perfect abandonment to sanctity and true happiness.

Is it my daily endeavor to see God in everything and to please Him alone?

Second Point

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Teaches Us Constant and Generous Abandonment

“Few men,” says St. Francis de Sales, “attain to perfect abandonment to God.” Few realize the entire worth of it, and still smaller is the number of those who strive for it perseveringly. Perfect surrender of the soul consists in loving nothing save the Will of God, in being indifferent to sickness or health, joys or sorrows, temptations, aridity, desolation, repugnance and resistance. Our Divine Saviour sets us the most beautiful example of perfect abandonment. His whole life was an uninterrupted act of abandonment to the Will of His heavenly Father, as He Himself testified when He said: “My food is to do the will of Him Who hath sent me” (John 4, 34).

Let us, then, learn from the Heart of Jesus the art of generous, self-immolating love, which, not content with merely saying, “I will what Thou wilt, O Lord,” cheerfully surrenders self, should God demand the sacrifice of our will, our judgment and inclinations.

Let us imitate our Divine Saviour, Whose love for us is unchangeable, Who immolated Himself for us, from the first moment of His earthly life, until the moment of His death on the cross; and Whose last word was an act of total surrender: “Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” How painful should it be to the Heart of the Saviour if souls chosen to be His spouses would hesitate to yield themselves up unconditionally to His loving guidance. Oh, let us consider that our happiness lies in the hands of the best of Fathers, Who loves us, Who knows what is salutary for us, Who can do all things because He is omnipotent. Am I of the number of those who ever so often immolate their heart to Jesus, but who reclaim it just as often, if He asks of them self-denial and renunciation?

Affections:

O Divine Heart of my Saviour, how could I refuse to follow Thy loving invitation! I come to Thee to draw from this inexhaustible source, the graces, the means of salvation and the consolations, which Thy love offers me in all my sufferings and needs. Take my heart, O Jesus, and possess it without reserve. How could I seek my happiness in anything except wholehearted immolation of myself to Thee, that I may live henceforth only under Thy beneficent reign. Replenish my heart, O Jesus, with a fiery and generous love, that by fervor and perfect abandonment my heart may resemble Thine. O Mary, Queen of hearts, reign in my heart, and imbue it with thy sentiments of complete surrender to the holy Will of God, under all circumstances.

Resolution:

I will frequently renew the unreserved oblation of my heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Spiritual Bouquet:

“My child, give Me thy heart!”

Prayer:

Soul of Christ, be my sanctification.
Body of Christ, be my salvation.
Blood of Christ, fill all my veins.
Water of Christ’s side, wash out my stains.
Passion of Christ, my comfort be.
O good Jesus, listen to me.
In Thy wounds I fain would hide,
Ne’er to be parted from Thy side.
Guard me should the foe assail me.
Call me when my life shall fail me.
Bid me come to Thee above,
With Thy saints to sing Thy love,
World without end. Amen.

My Mother's Rosary

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Sunday Sermon by Bishop Robert Barron

Third Sunday After Pentecost

“Jesus is Waiting”

Dear Diary,

Sunday Evening

“Jesus is Waiting”

It was a warm, hazy kind of afternoon, and the sun was starting to slip behind the big maples as Mini and I set off down the old farm path toward the cave. The path isn’t like a regular road—it was worn down long ago by the hooves of cows walking back and forth to the dairy that used to be at Littlemore Farm. You can almost hear their soft, steady bell-clinking if you close your eyes and listen to the wind. Now it’s just me and Mini walking that same path, which feels sort of special, like we’re part of something old and remembered.

Mini trotted beside me, sniffing everything in sight, her tail-less bottom wiggling the whole time. She darted ahead now and then, ears flopping, but always turned back to check on me. I think she knows that walk as well as I do now—and maybe she feels the sacredness of where we’re going.

Sister Mary Claire read me the meditation this morning. It said how Jesus waits for us in the tabernacle—not just sometimes, but always. He doesn’t get tired or impatient. He’s not just waiting the way people wait for a train or a letter. He longs for us. That word stuck with me. Longs. Like how you miss someone so much your heart hurts.

When we got to the cave, everything was quiet and still except for the soft bubbling of the little stream near the grotto. I said hello to Our Lady and then sat on the cool stone with my legs tucked under. Mini nestled right up next to me, her chin on my knee like she didn’t want to be anywhere else.

I just sat there in silence, thinking about how Jesus is really there—thinking of me, loving me, waiting for me. Even when I forget Him or get busy feeding the chickens or playing with Mini. Even then. He still longs for me. And today, I came.

We stayed until the shadows started to stretch and the evening air felt like a soft blanket. Mini gave a little yawn and stood up, and I knew it was time to head home.

Evening Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for waiting for me in the quiet cave. Thank You for loving me so much, even when I forget to come. I want to visit You more and listen when You speak to my heart. Please bless Mini and everyone I love tonight.

Love, Kathy

Jesus, The Good Shepherd of Souls

“What man of you that hath an hundred sheep: and if he shall lose one of them, doth he not leave the ninety-nine in the desert, and go after that which was lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, lay it upon his shoulders, rejoicing: And coming home, call together his friends and neighbors, saying to them: ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost?’ I say to you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner that doth penance, more than upon ninety-nine just who need not penance” (Luke 15, 4-8).

First Prelude: Behold Jesus, the Good Shepherd, carrying the lost sheep back to the fold.

Second Prelude: O Jesus, Good Shepherd of my soul, let me realize the extent of Thy love of me and teach me how to bring back straying souls to Thee, by meekness, patience and love.

FIRST POINT

THE GOOD SHEPHERD SEEKS THE LOST SHEEP

The proud Pharisees reproached our Lord for having responded with the touching parable of the lost sheep. In this parable He reveals to us the fullness of the love and mercy of His Sacred Heart for His poor stray creatures. Jesus so loves the souls who have deserted Him, that, provided they return to Him, He is willing to forgive them. Not satisfied with merely loving them, He pursues them as a shepherd the lost sheep, and spares no pains to bring the sinner to conversion. What a beautiful picture—the compassionate Heart of Jesus seeking the sinner! He stakes all—enlists every possible means to achieve His purpose. He rouses the wayward soul through the voice of conscience, counsels it by the teachings of Holy Church and the advice of well-meaning friends, and admonishes it by means of terrible events. These are proofs of the love of the Good Shepherd. What efforts has He not made to induce us, likewise, to renounce sin and walk on His way! What has it cost Him to tear us from the world, and harbor us securely in the religious life! Let us gratefully acknowledge the great grace of our holy vocation. Let us embrace courageously His shepherd’s crook, the holy cross, by taking upon ourselves generously, in grateful love, whatever is hard and burdensome. His Sacred Heart is open to us; let us take refuge there until death shall secure us against all danger and unite us to Him forever.

Do I recognize the loving guidance of the Good Shepherd in my life? Am I docile to His voice?

SECOND POINT

THE JOY OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD UPON FINDING HIS SHEEP

As we read in the closing words of today’s gospel, the angels of heaven rejoice with Christ when a soul is delivered from the bonds of sin and the danger of perdition. We should share this joy, yes, we may even help the Good Shepherd to bring sinners back to virtue by imitating the watchfulness, the tender love, the untiring self-devotion of the Heart of Jesus in the interest of souls. We can make their hearts receptive for grace by patience, meekness, self-immolation and even by the material care we bestow upon these poorest of the poor.

Let us, therefore, apply every means that a true, zealous love can suggest and pray without ceasing for their return. Let us edify them by our good example, and rest not until we have attained our end. How inspiring it is to think that through the works of our vocation we cannot only make our fellow-men happy but at the same time rejoice the inhabitants of heaven. The angels and saints are the friends of the Good Shepherd who rejoice with Him when He returns home with the sheep that was lost. The greater our zeal for souls, the more they will become our friends. Let us, therefore, confidently invoke the citizens of heaven, should the enemies of God try to frustrate our endeavors for the salvation of souls. We will entrust to them the prayers and sacrifices we daily offer for the poor, stray sheep of the household. Doing this we shall contribute our part towards a frequent renewal of the feast of joy in heaven upon the conversion of a sinner.

Affections: O tender Heart of the Good Shepherd, how wonderful is Thy goodness and gentleness towards us. Full of sympathy for our weaknesses, Thou seekest for us when we have offended Thee and severed ourselves from Thee by our faults and imperfections. O loving Shepherd, why do so many hearts resist the call of Thy grace? Grant that all may know Thee, the supreme Good, and inflame them all with Thy love. Grant that I may bestow untiring care on the souls who have strayed far from Thee. Grant that I may devote myself to this important work with all the self-immolation that Thou dost expect of men, in a spirit of gratitude to Thee, my beloved Saviour, for having sought me with so much love and brought me back to Thy fold. I will, henceforth, rejoice Thy loving Heart and all heaven by my fidelity and zeal for souls.

Resolution: I will offer up all my prayers and good works through the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the conversion of sinners.

Spiritual Bouquet: “There shall be joy in heaven upon one sinner doing penance.”


Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole will.

Thou hast given me all that I am and all that I possess; I surrender it all to Thee that Thou mayest dispose of it according to Thy Will.

Give me only Thy love and Thy grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will have no more to desire.

(Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pope Leo XIII, May 26, 1883)