Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is founded in sacred scripture. For example, John the Apostle reclining towards the Heart of Jesus at the last supper was an act of devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Also, in Matthew 9:36, we are told that at the sight of the crowds, the Heart of Jesus was moved with pity for them. Jesus also invites the weary and burdened to come to him, promising rest for their souls, describing his Heart as “gentle and humble” (Mt. 11:28-30). Furthermore, Jesus’ side was pierced by a soldier’s lance, and from it flowed blood and water (Jn. 19:34). This event is interpreted as a profound symbol of his sacrificial love and the outpouring of grace from his Heart. These scriptural references laid the foundation for the later development of the devotion to the Sacred Heart. In addition, when his Sacred Heart was pierced through his side with a lance, Jesus gave us his Heart so that there would be devotion to his Sacred Heart.

St. Gertrude the Great (1256-1302), a Benedictine nun, experienced visions of Jesus showing her his Sacred Heart. Her writings and revelations contributed significantly to spreading this devotion throughout Europe. However, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus became popular with the private revelations of Jesus to Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690). The first revelation of Jesus to her occurred on the feast of St. John the Apostle. Just as St. John leaned his head on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, so also did Jesus, on the feast of St. John the Apostle, permit Margaret Mary to rest her head upon his Sacred Heart; and he then disclosed to her the wonders of his love, and the inexplicable secrets of his Sacred Heart. He told her that he desired to make them known to everyone and the diverse treasures of his goodness, and that he had chosen her for the propagation of the devotion to his Sacred Heart.

Jesus also told her that his Divine Heart is so passionately in love with everyone such that it can no longer contain within itself the flames of its ardent charity. This love must be poured out to people to enrich them with its precious treasures and graces.

Jesus has revealed through his numerous saints, especially through Margaret Mary, that he wishes us to practice acts of devotion towards his Sacred Heart, for his Heart is the most natural symbol of his love for us sinners. He also requested devotion to his Sacred Heart so that we may fervently and devoutly worship the love with which he suffered for us.

Today, the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus remains a vital aspect of Catholic faith and practice. It serves as a reminder of God’s boundless love for us. It also calls us to respond with love, compassion, and reparation to his Sacred Heart. The Feast of the Sacred Heart is celebrated annually, typically on the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost, uniting Catholics in prayer and devotion to the Heart of Jesus.

Lastly, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a tripartite devotion: It is the adoration of the real and physical Heart of Jesus; it is the praise of his infinite love symbolized by his Heart; and it is the worship of his Person, body, blood, soul, and divinity.

Let us pray. O most loving Heart of Jesus, Eternal Word of God, God made Man for love of us, you took on flesh, and dwelt among us. I humble myself at your feet. I adore you with the deepest veneration of my soul. In order that I may repair my ingratitude to your most Loving Heart, I unite myself with the hearts of all those who love you. Together with them, I offer you my humble loving thanksgiving. Pierced by the boundless goodness and sweetness in your Divine Heart, I beseech you to grant me your assistance so that I may grow in grace and in those virtues that are dear to you. Amen.