The Saints on the Sacred Heart of Jesus
I need nothing but God and to lose myself in the heart of Jesus. -St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Reflect
“Close your eyes after Holy Communion,” Father Andrew instructed. “Let yourself feel the loving embrace of Jesus.”
I try to remain attentive to the presence of Jesus after receiving Holy Communion. I believe with all my heart that His precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity dwell within me in a special way. As a mom of six, however, I often have to spend this time with one eye open, making sure my children stay relatively quiet, while our parish community prays around us.
But when I attended a four-day silent retreat and considered Father Andrew’s instruction, something powerful happened.
Returning to my pew after receiving Our Eucharistic Lord, I closed my eyes and let myself feel Jesus’ loving embrace. I imagined His Sacred Heart beating within me. His heart so close to mine.
Then, I sensed my Guardian Angel right next to me. He knew Jesus was truly present within me, so he stretched out his arms in worship of the Lord. I felt my angel’s strength and devotion. I leaned into him, resting my head upon his chest, as we adored Christ together.
I also envisioned Our Blessed Mother, with her adoring gaze on Jesus within me. She embraced us (me and my angel), with motherly protection and affection. All three of us worshipped Jesus together.
As I knelt there in the presence of Jesus, with Mary and my Guardian Angel, Mary gently spoke to me.
“Open your heart more to Him. Let Jesus reach the darkest and most-hidden corners of your heart,” she said.
Trusting her encouragement, I opened myself to the Lord. I invited Him to enter my heart more deeply. As He did, light moved within me. Warm and soft, it permeated places that desperately needed hope and healing.
In that moment, I knew I needed nothing but God’s loving presence in my life. What an incredible gift to lose myself in His Sacred Heart! Now, it is something I recall each time I receive Holy Communion...even when I have to keep one eye open.
Let Us Pray
Jesus, Your incredible love invites me to get lost in Your Sacred Heart. Even a few minutes with You sustains me in the work You call me to do. Mary, queen of my heart, thank you for bringing me to Your Son. Amen.
For Discussion
When have you realized that the answer to a problem or dilemma rests in spending time with God?
How has He given you strength?
In His Heart: The 2020 Prayer Pledge // Day 16 #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet
Sarah Damm is a regular contributor to the BIS blog. She is a Catholic wife and mother of six children, living in Minnesota. She spends her days running errands, helping with homework, and keeping up with laundry and the family schedule. Sarah loves her faith, coffee, and good books. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Sarah's posts here.
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