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.)
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