The Saints on the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Do not let the past disturb you–just leave everything in the Sacred Heart and begin again with joy. -St.Teresa of Calcutta
Reflect
Like many little girls growing up, I found joy and creativity in using my imagination to play dress-up or house or to write short stories based off the American Girls book series, which I dearly loved.
However, when it came to playing dress-up, I differed from most other girls my age. This was due to the fact that I frequently dressed-up as Mother Teresa. One of my first memories–at age three or four–is watching a documentary of Mother Teresa’s early missionary work in the slums of Calcutta. I was so captivated by her life that it shone in my play as a child. I still smile when I come across old pictures of me as Mother Teresa “rescuing my babies."
From a young, tender age, something spoke to me about how Mother Teresa lived her life and served others all in the love of Jesus for the poor.
It seemed only fitting today, then, to share words from her that ponder the deep mysteries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In reflecting on the Heart of Jesus, she writes: Do not let the past disturb you–just leave everything in the Sacred Heart and begin again with joy.
Too often, we define ourselves by our past mistakes and choices. If we are bound up by our past, we are not living in the freedom Jesus died to offer us.
Perhaps there are areas of your life where you need deeper healing and wholeness (I know this is true in my own life!). Acknowledge the soul work that needs to be done, but do not allow yourself to be bound by your past.
Leave it all in the Heart of Jesus and move forward in faith, trusting that Jesus wants your restoration even more than you do.
Let Us Pray
Jesus, You do not desire for me to live bound by my past. Help me to live my life focused on the present moment. Teach me to place all the messy areas of my heart in Your Heart. I invite You into the spaces where I need deeper healing. Amen.
For Discussion
Are there areas of your past that are difficult to bring to and talk about with Jesus? Why or why not?
How can you "begin again with joy" after you've fallen?
In His Heart: The 2020 Prayer Pledge // Day 9 #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet
Patty Breen serves as Ministry Formation Manager of Ascension Health and writes online in several different spaces. Her loves include CrossFit, writing and speaking, strong cups of coffee, Ignatian spirituality, and loving on her godchildren, niece, and nephew. Patty is passionate about messy and deep conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and ministry. Find out more about her here.
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