Week 4: His Love Is Real and Brings Us Hope

This is the fourth and final in a series of brief articles to draw attention to the 350^th anniversary (1674 – 2024) of the devotion to Jesus’ Sacred Heart, to be celebrated Friday, June 7^th (or Sunday June 9^th). Previously, we explored the theological nature of this devotion, the promises attached to it, as well as the ecclesial prerequisites for  it. But its essence can be expressed in much simpler terms: Jesus loves you and wants to spend time alone with you, just talking about making his love mutual and making your connection to his presence in the Eucharist, deeper.

Yes, he wants us to receive the Eucharist worthily at Mass; but this message also reveals that outside of Mass he desires for us to set aside moments in our day to think about specifically what the fact that HE loves us means. While others might forget how he suffered or take for granted the eternal fruits gained from it, by this extra attention he says he is consoled.

“The Divine Heart of Jesus again gave me to understand and assured me,” writes St. Margaret Mary, “that the pleasure which He takes in being known, loved, and honored by His creatures is so great that He promised me that none of those who practice this amiable devotion and are devoted to His adorable Heart will ever perish.”

Now, listening to many of the messages of our Lord to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, as he explains what the fact that he loves someone should mean to them, one is struck at once by the sadness of unrequited love, yet also the confidence with which his plans for this devotion are delivered, as in the above quotation. One does not usually find both despair and hope  so closely associated together! How are we to understand this?

I think it is because he is in heaven, with a human body which retains its human emotions despite being in a “glorified” state whereby it shares in God’s own Divinity. These opposing sentiments can exist at the same time  because (a) there is nothing more starkly real than his love–which in this devotion is contrasted with what sinners deserve as well as what a dispassionate believer is willing to commit to; and (b) he is the source of the counter movements to fill the chasms just revealed: theological hope. Hope attains to both salvation from sin, AND to the increase of love.

Normally one would not go to a person in despair to oneself find hope. One does not, according to the natural order, seek to alleviate one’s own depression by going to someone worse off–they will just drag you down further. But in this case, the Father’s love of the Son, and the Son’s love of us is so powerful and uplifting it is the only thing we need. So how does one access this Divine hope? While we await Divine action, we trust.

To be sure, there is already much hope to be derived from the practice of the faith apart from this devotion: the Sacraments, and to be found in Scripture, as well as present in any  of the “competing” devotions we similarly have the option to adopt (the Holy Wounds, the Holy Face, the Holy Name, Divine Mercy, etc.) But what do they all have in common? Trusting in God. It is by this means we access theological hope and will eventually experience the fullness of Jesus’ plans in our regard. All we have to do is make a heartfelt commitment to him.

Put it this way: If it were a discussion of physical labor, the message might be, “Put your back into it!” Or, “Lift with your legs!” Or, “Don’t walk for free, carry something with you as you go.” So here, for matters related to hope and trusting the Lord, the advice from this devotion is, “Put your heart into it.” Jesus affirms that he has put his heart into it. Now, he is looking for us to do the same.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart, from St. Margaret Mary

Oh,  SACRED Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee.

 I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, as the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee.

 I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants. Amen.

References for additional reading:

https://catholicexchange.com/falling-love-knowing-sacred-heart-jesus/

Heart of the Redeemer, by Dr. Timothy T. O’Donnell
The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, by Rev John Croiset

Article 1: Devotion to the Sacred Heart, Introduction
Article 2: The Twelve Promises
Article 3: Keeping Jesus Company, and Being in His Company
Article 4: His Love Is Real and Brings Us Hope