
Ibarraran "God so loved the world" Jesus High Priest
In 1675 in a convent in Paray le Monial in France, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque received a series of locutions or visions of Jesus with His Heart exposed. He said, “Behold this Heart that has loved humanity so much…” After speaking with her about His Sacred Heart, Jesus asked that a new devotion be established in the Church to remind Christians of His Divine merciful love that comes to us through His human Heart. Jesus has a human Heart that is full of love for every person. To come in contact with this Heart that is poured out to us in the Holy Eucharist, Jesus recommended a “Holy Hour of Reparation” before the Exposed Blessed Sacrament offered for sins committed against the Holy Eucharist (Pope John Paul II added, “…and for sins against human life”). “Reparation” means “repair” or “to make amends for.” By our act of loving devotion we console the Heart of Jesus.
Those who cultivate this devotion receive these Promises from Jesus:
1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.
2. I will give peace in their families.
3. I will console them in their troubles.
4. They shall find in My Heart refuge during life and at the hour of death.
5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in My Heart an infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great holiness.
9. I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart is exposed and honored.
10. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart.
Cultivating a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus involves a commitment to praying the Morning Offering Prayer daily, and praying for the Holy Father’s monthly intentions. Along with the image of the Sacred Heart, we live out the daily offering of our lives through prayer and service of the One who loves us.
I encourage all of you, especially students, to Enthrone an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in your dorm room or apartment by signing up for one of the three images in the back of Church (see images above). The Enthronement involves a brief ceremony in your room led by Fr. Will with a blessing of the image and placing it on the wall (no charge while current supplies last).
Enthroning the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our living space reminds us that Jesus is the King of hearts, the King of homes, and King of our lives. He is the Eternal One who comes close to us in the Holy Eucharist, which is Sacrament of His Most Sacred Heart. The Sacred Heart reveals the merciful and tender love of the Eternal King who governs all.
Fr. Will