As the US Bishops prepare to consecrate the country to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11 I am happy to share this Pastoral Letter on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Understanding the significance of this devotion is important. When in the 17th century Jesus asked St. Margaret Mary Alacoque to make this devotion known to the world his deepest desire was to make known his ardent love for the human family.
The purpose of this devotion is not emotional consolation, but transformation. The goal is that the heart of Jesus and the human heart become one. The love of God for the world is clearly demonstrated through his Son, Jesus. This revelation of Christ’s love leads to salvation. Our reception of this precious gift of the love of the Sacred Heart draws us into this love – and love always seeks a response – of love.
In the Church, devotions like the Sacred Heart are not just prayers to say: These devotions are meant to be lived. They are meant to draw us to greater union with Christ and, through him, to grow in the divine life of grace and holiness.
To practice this devotion leads to reparation, not as a burden imposed upon the faithful, but as the proper response of love to love rejected. Love seeks a response but can also be refused. This is something Jesus revealed to St. Margaret Mary in the revelations leading to the promotion of this devotion. Our loving response to Jesus love is not an attempt to ‘add’ to Christ’s saving work, but is a grace-filled participation in his one sacrifice.
Our world is in great need of hearts open to God’s love and willing to selflessly love others in return. It seems our culture is losing the ability to dwell in love. Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus leads to an interior conversion and transformation.
I wish to express my deep gratitude to the Communications Team of the Archdiocese of Seattle who took this pastoral letter and developed an extensive webpage of helpful information and suggestions to practice this devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I invite you to prayerfully read this Pastoral Letter and explore the additional materials. Most especially I encourage you to take practical steps to begin practicing this devotion in your life, your home and your family.
You can read the Pastoral Letter on my blog by clicking on the above tab, Pastoral Letters or by a link on the Archdiocesan webpage dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us!
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