Sacred Heart 2020

Prayers for the Solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus PRAYER FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE FAMILY DEDICATION TO THE SACRED HEART (to be recited by families which have the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in their homes)  Lord Jesus Christ, today we renew the dedication of our family to your Sacred Heart. We remember your…

Heart of the Eucharist Scripture: He made as if to go on, but they pressed him. ‘Stay with us Lord, for it is evening, and the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them (Lk 24:29). Reflection: In a Jesuit community in Paris, there is a painting of this scene at Emmaus. The disciples…

The Weight of the World Scripture: Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping ‘Could you not watch one hour with me?’, he asked Peter (Mt 26:40-41). Reflection: After all the promises. ‘Ready to go to prison and to death’ (Lk 22:33). He was never so alone, his heart crushed with grief. Bent…

You Did It to Me Scripture: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat (Mt 25:35). Reflection: ‘I sought myself and myself I could not find; I sought my God, and my God I could not find. I sought my brother and I found all three, my God, my brother and myself.’…

A Human Heart Scripture: As soon as she saw him Mary threw herself at his feet, saying, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died’. In great distress, with a sigh that came straight from the heart, Jesus asked ‘Where have you put him?’ They said, ‘Lord, come and see’.  Jesus wept; and the Jews…

Hard hearts, Compassionate heart Scripture: Jesus stood up and said to the woman, ‘Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir’, she replied. ‘Neither do I condemn you’, said Jesus. ‘Go away, and don't sin any more’ (Jn 8:10-14). Reflection: Hearts as hard as the stones they want to throw at…

Can a Mother forget her baby? Scripture: His mother stored up all these things in her heart (Lk 2:51). Reflection: Jesus received his human heart from his mother Mary. From before his birth, she loved him ‘with love beyond all telling’. Her loving heart formed his loving heart. He was always her child. She knew…

Put your whole heart into it Scripture: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a lonely place, where he prayed (Mk 1:35). Reflection: A woman who asked Blessed John Sullivan to say a prayer for her special intentions said to him ‘and…

The Fisherman’s Mother-in-law Scripture: The whole town came crowding round the door (Mk 1:33). Reflection: No wonder they did. Maybe Peter's wife had let it out that Jesus had cured her mother. Flat out on her bed she was, not a stir out of her. A high temperature, no appetite, and the house full of…

Bring Him Everything Scripture: Come to me all you who labour and are over- burdened, and I will give you rest (Mt. 11:28). Reflection: Jesus is looking forward to our company dur- ing these nine days. He wants to hear from us, how we are getting on. Are our dreams coming true? Have we bless-…