The Sacred Heart

Ahh, June. That month of daydreaming and dandelions, when time slows down, the days are longer, the breeze is softer and evening twilight lasts and lasts. We move out of the time of Easter celebration and back to ordinary time. Note that "ordinary" does not mean "boring" or "uneventful." Rather, it means we get back to the basics of normal growth in the spiritual life. And this month offers a wonderful Catholic devotion to orient us in getting back to the basics - the Feast of the Sacred Heart. 

To start off the month of June, let's revisit devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 
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History
Devotion to the Sacred Heart was inspired straight from the words of Scripture. When the soldier pierced the side of Christ, his lance cut into the heart, drawing the blood out and onto the earth.   This is why more realistic depictions of the Sacred Heart show a gash in the flesh. 

Over the years, many saints have venerated the Sacred Heart of Christ. However, the most well know was St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun who lived in the 1670s.  She was called by Jesus himself "the beloved disciple of the Sacred Heart." Jesus made 12 promises to her for those who would venerate his heart. 

12 Promises of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary 
1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state in life.
2. I will establish peace in their families.
3. I will comfort them in their trials.
4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
5. I will shed abundant blessings on all their undertakings.
6. Sinners will find in my heart an infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Lukewarm souls will become fervent.

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