“Devotions are a response to a crisis … What do you say?” That’s the comment I pinned on my YouTube Channel in June 2020. It was part of a short video discussing the “5 benefits of Sacred Heart of Jesus.”
“What do you mean by Sacred Heart, sir?”
I least expected such a question. I hesitated to answer it. We can take things for granted. I failed in a way to communicate the concept to a new audience unrelated to the Sacred Heart. I responded with a simple answer: It’s a symbolic representation of God’s love. The question is similar to the Greeks asking the disciples: Sir, we want to see Jesus (John 12:21). We celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Friday after the feast of Corpus Christ – it’s Friday that follows the second Sunday of Pentecost.
Asking for Biblical Reference for the Sacred Heart
I like questions even when I don’t have a perfect response. The comment to the above Sacred Heart video asked to provide Biblical reference – stating that even the term “Sacred Heart” is not found in the books of the Bible.
I attempted to say that it is a ‘symbolism’ to be united mystically to the heart of Christ. Yes, I did refer to Biblical text in John 19:34, which inspires the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, when a soldier pierced the side of Jesus on the cross, “blood and water flowed.”
“Where does the concept of Sacred Heart come from?”
The inquiry quoted that Paul or any New Testament writers do not mention the Sacred Heart. A devotee may not satisfy a rational mind with intellectual answers. Moreover, a devotee may get jolted with questions they have taken for granted. A true devotee continues the devotion remaining open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s not blind faith. A devotee remains steadfast in praying: make my heart like unto the heart of Jesus. And, of course, witnessing it in action.
A true devotee continues the devotion remaining open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It’s not blind faith. A devotee remains steadfast in praying: make my heart like unto the heart of Jesus.
Jesus invites devotees to learn from him to be gentle and humble (Matthew 11:28-29). And you must also read Jesus’ words: these people pay me lip service, but their heart is far from me (Mark 7:6).
Jesus on the Cross was a Sinner, not Sacred?
I was asked, “when Jesus hung on the cross, His entire body, which includes His heart was anything but sacred.” It said that Jesus was the biggest sinner because he took the sins of the world upon Himself. I still find myself itching to respond but delayed. The next assumption of inquiry was that Jesus didn’t address His Father as “Father” but as God while he was on the cross.
The last words of Jesus from the cross: My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? These words express a sense of abandonment – a feeling that God is far away. When was the last time you felt God is far away from you? You don’t have to be a sinner to experience it. Even the righteous have scruples. Take, for example, Job in the Bible felt God had abandoned him – for being good, just, and faithful.
Concluding Notes
There is something special about the devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It’s mystical – you are drawn into the love of Christ. You are motivated to witness the face of God. As a devotee, something will always be beyond your reach – and some things you will always take for granted. But God knows the heart of a devotee – your innermost self.
I recommend you to watch my video on the Sacred Heart of Jesus (5 Benefits of the Devotion). I never expected to discover why fathers (men) need to practice Sacred Heart devotion more than women. You will also find three ways to practice the devotion of the sacred heart.
You can join the devotees of Sacred Heart praying the novena, the chaplet, and the litany of the sacred heart of Jesus.
About the Author
Feroz Fernandes, a Catholic Missionary, identifies himself as an Uncommon Priest. Father Feroz loves adventure in the apostolate. Check out his debut book The Uncommon Priest: Incredible Stories You Never Read on amazon. And also, the YouTube Channel: Feroz Fernandes promotes a better understanding of scripture.
Thank You FR. how often I feel the way Jesus felt Father why have you abandonded me I know it is time to get on my knees and reflect on what is bothering me, and know that he never lets me go.