He who meditates on the life of Christ, and is acquainted with it,
instinctively strikes upon this trait in the character of Jesus: The
sweetness of His human Heart. The entire life of our blessed Lord was one
series of most loving acts. We see Him at one time blessing the little
children, at another bestowing sight on the blind, loosening the tongue of
the dumb, pouring consolation into the aching heart of the mother who has
lost her child, and pardoning the repentant sinner. Is it not a beautiful
devotion by which we are drawn to view the loving tenderness of His human
Heart, by which He won all to His side, so that not only His apostles
clung to Him, but even the very pagans loved and revered Him?
Let us then love and practise this beautiful devotion, by offering that
Heart the gold of charity and the incense of prayer. Let us go with filial
confidence to Him, Who has taught us to lisp like an infant, “Abba,
Father.” Let us repay Him love for love, and make reparation for the
injuries He daily receives in that most kind Heart. Jesus in His turn will
comfort us in all our pains and afflictions. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is
the source of all charity and love; and through this devotion we will
learn to love our neighbor and to sacrifice ourselves for his benefit.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Sweet heart of Mary, be my salvation.
Considerations and prayers for Every Day.
First Day. The Love of the Sacred Heart for Us.
The love of the Sacred Heart for us is at once the tender affection of a
brother, and the infinite love of the Son of God, with which, from all
eternity, Our Redeemer looked forward eagerly to the salvation of mankind.
He saw us doomed to everlasting death, He saw us, and each one of us
individually among the number, unable to atone for our sins. Then He
offered Himself to satisfy the justice of the Father. Thou didst implore
mercy for us, and it was granted Thee, only on condition that Thou
shouldst satisfy for us. And what satisfaction was required! Torments the
most cruel, insults the most humiliating, death on the cross—that was the
price at which Thou wast permitted to redeem us. Thou didst accept all,
and wast even ready to suffer more if necessary. Ah, Lord! What then shall
I do for Thee? What return can I make for such great love? O generous, O
incomprehensible Friend! How can I ever repay the debt I owe Thee, Heart
of my Jesus? I abandon my whole being to Thy sweet love, to live and die
therein.
Prayer.
Adorable Heart of my Saviour, I adore Thee, praise Thee, and offer Thee my
whole self. O divine Jesus, I beseech Thee to receive me to‐day into Thy
Sacred Heart! Pour into my heart the light, help and graces I need to
conquer my enemies, and to surmount all obstacles that will hinder my
salvation, and the Christian perfection required to please Thee. Amen.
Second Day. The Heart of Jesus My Friend.
Oh, what folly, what delusion can be worse than to set one’s heart on
anything save Thee alone, O God! How poor is he who seeks not his whole
good in Thy sweet friendship alone! Heart of my Jesus, wounded for love of
me, permit me to draw nigh to Thy open side, and confess to Thee a
thousand times over that I love Thee. O Heart of Jesus, forgive my past
foolishness! O beloved and adorable Redeemer, who will give water to my
head, and a fountain of tears to my eyes, that I may weep day and night
for the contempt shown to Thy love, and the ingratitude with which Thy
benefits are repaid! O ye angels, who crowd the sanctuaries in which
dwells the divine Spouse of our souls, cease not to pour forth at the foot
of His altars the most profound homage. One of the usual duties shown by
people towards those whom they respect are visits. Jesus Christ is our
Friend, our Father. He is in our midst: we know it, and yet He is the only
One Whom we forget. Whoever thinks of visiting Jesus Christ? We frequent
the church and fulfil our other religious duties, but do we always go
through motives of love or gratitude, and with the expected intention of
rendering homage to Our Lord? O Jesus, could a more cruel wound be
inflicted on this loving Heart? O Sacred Heart of my Jesus, forgive me,
and vouchsafe me the blessing of remaining forever Thy child.
Prayer.
Prostrate before Thee, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I humbly pay Thee all my
homage, and my profound adoration. I adore Thee, O Sacred Heart, destined
from all eternity to be God’s masterpiece and the prodigy of His power,
wisdom and goodness. Amen.
Third Day. The Heart of My Jesus the Heart of My Father.
Heart of Jesus, Thou art my Father! All I have is from Thee; at every step
I meet with proofs of Thy infinite love. Even when I strayed away from
Thee, Thou didst entreat me to return, assuring me of pardon and love. If
I shed tears of sorrow, Thy love wiped them away, and Thy sweet voice gave
courage to my sinking soul. O my sweet Jesus, be forever a Father to me!
What an amount of gratitude do I not owe to my Lord, when after so much
love and care, He reappears among us in the Sacrament of the Altar? In
thus dwelling among us, He willed to unite Himself with us, in a way as
intimate as it is incomprehensible; shutting Himself up under the
appearance of bread, He enters into our hearts and makes His own flesh our
nourishment. What a source of happiness for me, O my sweet Jesus! My eyes
do not see Thy divine face, but my heart feels Thy comforting presence.
When I receive Thee, O Father, into my breast, I feel my soul gladdened
with the wine of heaven, “which maketh virgins.” And since love causes
lovers to resemble each other, if we love let us form our life on the
model of Jesus. Let us therefore, belong forever to the Beloved of our
souls. Let us give Him our whole heart, our love, our affections,
inclinations, and desires.
Prayer.
Allow me, O my Saviour, to offer Thee my heart, and grant that I seek only
to please Thee in all things. From this moment I consecrate my heart to
Thee; take possession of it, destroy its indifference, purify its
affections, and give a new life to its inclinations. O sweet Jesus, take
possession of me and consume me in the flames of Thy love. Amen.
Fourth Day. In Thy Heart I Shall Find Peace.
Thee, Thee alone, O Heart of my God, will I love! Heart most pure, Heart
most holy, never tiring of my insults, ever forgiving and forgetting, and,
if I do but love Thee sincerely, admitting me as a chosen friend to Thy
sweet company. “Come unto Me, all you that labor, and are heavily
burdened, and I will give you rest.” Seek not elsewhere for relief in
sorrow: come to the Heart of One Who loves you. Never will you meet with a
more generous giver, never will you meet a kinder friend, never will you
meet one who will bear with you more patiently in your trials and
temptations. Be comforted, then, my heart, in having this God of love, Who
will not abandon you; Who has no sweeter choice than to hearken to your
prayers. Well, dear Lord, behold how my poor soul is chained down, what
billows of sorrow buffet it and all but wreck it. Come then, O Heart of my
Jesus, come to me or I perish. In Thee alone do I find relief. Be Thou a
thousand times blessed, O sweetest Heart, for all Thy mercy! O admirable
Heart, forgive my guilty wretchedness. Henceforth Thee alone will I seek,
Thee alone will I love. I shall serve Thee and Thee only till my dying
gasp, in hope of praising and loving Thee forever more in heaven.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, be Thou praised and blessed forever as the source
of supernatural life, the nourishment of the soul, and the sustenance of
the spirit! From Thy fulness all good is poured out upon us. Fill my
heart, I beseech Thee, with the sentiments that inspired Thy adorable
Heart. Amen.
Fifth Day. The Sacred Heart of Jesus Teaching Charity.
Thy Heart, O my Jesus, is a mystery of charity; mine is a mystery of
malice. I am ashamed and confounded when I consider attentively Thy Heart,
O my Jesus! Thou, the Creator and Master of all things—Thou art meek and
lowly of heart, and I, a poor outcast, am full of pride and presumption.
How often have I not outraged Thy love and despised Thy law, and still
Thou art silent and forgivest me! Thou art ever ready to welcome back Thy
lost sheep, no matter how far they have strayed, nor how deeply they have
wounded and insulted Thy loving Heart! And can it be that after that I
would dare violate the charity I owe my neighbor? That I would, for a
slight offence, allow proud and revengeful feelings to take possession of
my heart? Oh, what a contrast to Thy gentleness and patience! I cannot
forget the least insult received, whilst Thou, O my God, at the first
sincere prayer for pardon wilt forget all the injuries that I have offered
Thee. Could I then fail to choose Thy Heart as a model for my own? But how
can this cold heart of mine ever resemble that kindest Heart of Thine?
Thou alone possessest the remedy. Behold me then, O sweet Jesus, and
mercifully regard a misery so profound. “My heart is ready, O God, my
heart is ready.” I will extol Thee, O God my King, and I will bless Thy
name forever and ever.
Prayer.
Be Thou praised and blessed forever, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Who in the
fervor of Thy charity, hast devised a miraculous means of filling hearts
with the holy flame of Thy divine love. Impress my heart so deeply with
this divine seal, that nothing may ever enter into it, or proceed from it,
that is not in conformity with Thy Sacred Heart. Amen.
Sixth Day. The Heart of Jesus My Comforter.
To whom can I more confidently tell my many needs and frailties than to
Him Who knows them more clearly than I do myself? Thy voice, O Jesus,
alone has the power to console and comfort the heart that loves Thee. They
are blind indeed who go in search of consolation and happiness from
creatures. Why did I not fly to Thee when I felt the first onset of this
world? I turned hither and thither, seeking on all sides for aid and
comfort, but I turned not my glance to Thee, Who alone canst rescue the
soul from sin. Heart of Jesus, oh, what manner of love is Thine! Forgive
my past foolishness, and now that I return again to Thee, give me grace
never to leave Thee. Let my soul, like Magdalen, rest at Thy sacred feet.
Stay with me, O Jesus, stay with me forever. Teach me what I must needs do
to live with Thee, and I shall trample under foot all the joy and gain
this world can offer me. I shall embrace with gladness for Thy sake all
afflictions and all sorrows. But, O my God, shelter beneath the wings of
Thy love every instant of my life, and encourage and strengthen my poor
weak heart.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I adore the admirable impulse which made Thee all
Thy life a victim of love, and led Thee to consummate it by a death of
perfect love. Grant that by Thy holy grace, my heart may become a living
sacrifice, desiring only to be offered up and to offer up all things for
Thy greater glory. Amen.
Seventh Day. The Heart of Jesus My Helper in Trials.
How few are there who love God alone for His own sake, and bless Him alike
in sorrow and in joy! Why, O my God, do I fear to travel on the royal road
of the cross—the only road that Thou hast travelled, and the shortest and
surest way to heaven? Do I forget that Thy cross sanctified and redeemed
the world, and formed the bliss of Thy elect in heaven? Why, then, do I
shrink from carrying it with courage? Let us remember that our union with
Jesus crucified will be the measure of our union with Him in glory. That
in suffering for Jesus we show our true love for Him. Oh, a thousand times
blessed are all who clasp the cross to their hearts and follow Jesus. Be
not sad, my soul, when thou art in pain: the Heart of Jesus was crushed
far more than thine. That sweet Heart of my Jesus was overwhelmed with
sadness at the sight of our sins, pierced with a thousand deadly shafts,
humiliated, abandoned by His Father: finally cruelly wounded on the cross,
shedding His blood, even to the last drop. Compare such sorrow with thine,
and yet thou darest complain! Jesus, forgive me, forgive such a vile
wretch, and crown Thy mercy and love.
Prayer.
O almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thy well‐beloved Son,
and the praise and satisfaction He offers Thee in the name of poor
sinners. Have mercy upon them, since they ask it through this same Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the
Holy Ghost, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Eighth Day. In the Heart of Jesus I Shall Find Rest.
O Heart of my Jesus, I will cast myself with sweetest confidence into Thy
bosom, and I will rest on Him Who is the everlasting rest of the elect in
heaven. I will draw nigh unto Him Who can sweeten all the bitterness of my
weary pilgrimage here. I will rest, as John the beloved disciple did, on
the Heart of Jesus, and tell Him a hundred times over that peace and
comfort cannot be found elsewhere but in that sweet Heart. The Heart of
Jesus is the city of refuge, in which we are safe from the pursuit of the
enemy. It is the city of refuge, which defends us from the wrath of an
angry Judge. Give thy heart to Him, for He has opened His Heart to thee.
Give not thy heart to the world, but to Christ thy Lord. O Heart of Jesus!
Thou givest to the heart that loves Thee perfect peace, great joy of
spirit, and a foretaste of heaven’s delight. My God, make me love Thee,
not coldly but with a passionate love. All for Thee, O my God, all for
Thee alone—let this be my watchword, and then only will I find true rest
and peace. May heaven and earth praise and bless Thee forever.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I unite my heart to the spirits of the blessed,
that with them it may sing to Thy glory before the throne of God. The Lamb
that was slain is worthy to receive power, and divinity, and wisdom, and
strength, and glory, and benediction. By Thy virtue guard my heart, and
preserve it from the stains of its own sinful desires. Amen.
Ninth Day. The Heart of Jesus an Ocean of Love.
O Heart of Jesus! Thou hast, in the greatness of Thy love, come down to
put on the garb of humanity, and to take into Thy breast man’s heart—to
make him a source of Thy delights: to soothe the pain that sin inflicts on
his wretched soul. O God of love, what then shall I do for Thee Who hast
loved me with such an excess of love? What return can I make for such
great graces? Ah, yes! I will address Thee with the sweet name of
“Father,” a God so generous and so great, and how easy will it be for me
to love Thee, O Jesus, my best Friend. In thus dwelling among us He willed
to unite Himself with us in a way as intimate as it is incomprehensible.
And to bring about this, He instituted the Sacrament of the Altar, and
shutting Himself up under the appearance of bread, He enters into our
hearts and makes His own flesh our nourishment. This gift of the
Eucharist, O my God, is of all Thy wonders the very crown. In this banquet
of love, Thou hearest all our sighs and complaints, and Thou forgivest all
our sad errors and foolishness. O happy Christians, what a source of
happiness we possess! Let us then give Him all the love and gratitude He
has a right to expect from us. Let our love be as unlimited as the love
Our God has shown unto us. O Jesus, how sweet it would be to live for Thee
and Thee only!
Prayer.
O my good Jesus, within Thy Heart, with sweetness overflowing, I place
myself; hide me deep therein that I may never stray away. In life my joy,
in death my guide, be Thou unto me my bliss in heaven. This I ask for
every one, and I ask it by Thy tears, Thy sweat, Thy sacred blood. Amen.
Tenth Day. The Ingratitude of Men to the Heart of Jesus.
Wherever we cast our eyes we meet with sad proofs of the ingratitude of
men to the Heart of Jesus. A large portion of the Christian world is
plunged in heresy, denying Christ’s presence in the mystery of the Altar,
and not satisfied with refusing to recognize this great benefit they have
lifted their sacrilegious hand against the sacred Host. But, O divine
Jesus, behold a still more grievous source of sorrow to Thy Heart! It is
not from Jews or heretics that Thou receivest these insults, but from
Thine own chosen people, the people who profess to believe in Thy real
presence. Jesus is in our midst, we know it, and yet He is the only One
Whom we forget, the only One Whom we treat with careless indifference. It
is thus that Christians respond to the love of Our Lord; it is thus they
repay all His benefits. O sweet Jesus, pardon my base ingratitude! Angels
of heaven, you who know so much better than I the full extent of the love
of Jesus’ Heart towards me, praise Him for me, and bless Him. O my God,
grant that I may live poor, unknown, and hidden in the Sacred Heart of
Jesus, my divine Master, forgotten and despised by creatures, so that Thou
mayest establish Thy reign of love upon my nothingness. I hope that Thou
wilt mercifully hear my request, and grant it.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, my Lord! O noblest, greatest, and most generous
of all hearts! I adore the divine impulses which led Thee, from the moment
of Thy conception, to love me who was nothing, who would offend Thee in so
many ways, and so often misuse Thy graces. O holy Friend of hearts, change
my heart, and make it choose Thee for its only Friend. Amen.
Eleventh Day. The Gratitude Due to the Heart of Jesus.
If it were in my power, I would return Thee unceasing acts of
thanksgiving, and they would still be too little to praise Thee for Thy
boundless love. I thank Thee and bless Thee for having poured out Thy most
precious blood to wash away my sins. Thou didst reserve nothing for
Thyself, Thou didst become dry and barren as a grape trodden in the wine‐
press. O ardent love, that is never extinguished! would that I burned with
this fire Thou hast sent on the earth, and which Thou dost so fervently
desire to see kindled in souls! O most sweet Jesus, open to me, I humbly
beseech Thee, the door of Thy Heart, the door of love and mercy. There
only will my troubled soul find sure refuge, my crimes pity and
forgiveness. To Thee alone, O Heart of Jesus, I have recourse; assist Thou
me. Thou hast sought for me so painfully and so long, O my God, when I
strayed from Thy loving care. Behold me here now; I give myself to Thee.
With the help of Thy grace I will be faithful to Thee, and will keep my
soul in spotless purity and deepest humility. O Heart of my God, prevent
me from ever abandoning Thee again! May my heart be always open and ready
to admit Jesus, my well beloved. Let me cling to Thy feet, like Magdalen,
and give Thee love for love.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, my Saviour, I adore Thee, shedding tears over my
sins. Would that I had a fountain of tears in my heart, that I might weep
as I ought for the sorrows I have caused Thee! Give me grace to bring
forth worthy fruits of penance. I adore Thee, O King of hearts, Who art
the delight of heaven and earth! Amen.
Twelfth Day. In the Heart of Jesus is Found the Way, the Truth, and the
Life.
O my Jesus, I have never found truth save in Thee, and aside from Thy
paths I have never met but vanity and wrong. If Thou dost not guide me in
all things, I shall stray about forever, and will quickly perish through
fatigue and want. Speak, then, O Lord, speak to Thy servant, and grant him
to comprehend Thy wonderful love. Heart of my God, give me to see that
Thou art the only way in which I must walk, if I wish to walk aright. What
would ever become of me if Thou wert not my life, principally in the
Adorable Sacrament of the Altar, where Thou dwellest actually, corporally,
and perpetually, waiting to receive my homage and ever ready to give me
all graces and blessings. Oh, how boundless is my need of Thee, my God;
draw me unto Thee and dispel the darkness which surrounds me. Deign to
accept, O Heart divine, this poor desire. My God, Thou art my Father; have
pity on me according to the greatness of Thy mercy. I abandon myself to
Thee: do not reject me; make me love Thee and nevermore separate Thyself
from me.
Prayer.
O sacred Heart of Jesus, Thou art the heavenly light! Thou dispellest the
darkness of the soul, and fillest it with sweetness. Thou art the Heart of
hearts, and worthy of the greatest love. Thou art the source of that
heavenly fire that enlightens and burns. Inflame my heart with Thy divine
ardor, that it may burn with love of Thee to all eternity. Amen.
Thirteenth Day. To the Heart of Jesus Alone I Turn.
We are made for God alone, nor can we find peace elsewhere save in God
alone. But who can kindle in us Thy love, if not Thou Thyself, O Lord? Oh,
then, sweet Heart of Jesus, I will not cease to knock at the portal of Thy
Heart, with tears and true contrition! Let others seek the perishable
goods of this world. For my part I ask but Thee alone. Forgive my past
unfaithfulness, and unite me so closely to Thee that I may never be able
to forsake Thee. Yes, my Saviour, I will leave creatures and all earthly
pleasures to run after Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love. But I am ashamed
to appear before Thee, O my Jesus, I, who am so naked and so devoid of all
virtues. What then am I to do? Am I to appear no more before Thee? Ah, no!
this would not please Thee. Thou dwellest in the Sacrament, not only to
reward Thy lovers, but also to provide for the poor out of Thy riches. I
adore Thee, then, King of my heart! O Shepherd, loving Thy sheep beyond
all bounds, to this throne of love I now approach, and having nothing else
to give I offer Thee my poor heart. Mercy, O Heart of God, I implore Thee
a thousand, thousand times, and pardon for all my sins; grant that this
may be the day of my entire conversion, so that I may nevermore cease to
love Thee.
Prayer.
Heart of my Jesus, Thou knowest what is wanting in me: Thou knowest that
without Thee I can do nothing. Thou knowest my weakness: have pity on me,
give me humility, purity of heart, love, and conformity to Thy holy will,
strength against my bad habits, remission of my sins, and grace nevermore
to commit them. Amen.
Fourteenth Day. The Heart of Jesus Asks for Our Hearts.
“My child, give Me thy heart.” Oh, let me print on my memory such a phrase
of love! “My child!” Oh, how sweet it sounds when uttered by the lips of a
God! He wishes to dwell in our hearts, not for a certain time, but
forever; not as a guest only, but as its Master and its Lord. Jesus says
the heart He asks of me is mine: “Give Me thy heart,” instead of claiming
it as His right, as a matter of strictest obligation, since all that I am
and have comes from Him. Oh, why should it be so difficult for me to yield
up my heart to that sweet Lord Who so endearingly says, “My child, give Me
thy heart”? The name of friend being insufficient to tell all Thy love, O
dear Jesus, Thou dost employ the loving name of child to sweetly compel me
to grant Thy fond request. Why is it, my Jesus, that Thou wishest my love?
Why dost Thou, by every means, try to gain, by permission, that love which
is Thine by every right and title? Oh, how many years Thou hast followed
me, and I ever fled away from Thee! How hardened my heart was! It is true
I have often returned to Thee for a little while, and Thou didst welcome
me, and gave me Thy very self as my food. But too soon I fled away from
Thee again. O my dearest Jesus, what favors and benefits I have abused!
Pardon me, sweet Jesus: behold me at last here at Thy feet, never to leave
Thee more. Take my heart, sweet Lord, and clasp it tightly to Thy Sacred
Heart even to the hour of my death; never let me stray from Thee again.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, with my whole soul I adore Thy impulses of
goodness and mercy towards sinners, the effects of which I have most
singularly experienced! Thy loving kindness is so desirous of mercy, that
it threatens to show no mercy to him who is not merciful. And what mercy
can I exercise towards my neighbor? What can be compared to those mercies
I have received, and every day receive from Thee? O Heart of Jesus, loving
fountain of mercy, teach me to know and worthily imitate Thy mercy. Amen.
Fifteenth Day. The Heart of Jesus at the Hour of Death.
The life of man passes away as a shadow. Time passes by as a swift flowing
river, bearing on its bosom, onward to the grave, old and young, rich and
poor, without any distinction. Oh, how happy is he who has laid up
treasures in heaven, who has gathered for himself a hoard of merit before
God. Happy, a thousand times happy, is he who in that dread hour can turn
to God with all confidence, and feel God present in his heart. O my sweet
Jesus, I will cling to the hope that Thou wilt forget all my past
iniquities, and remember only Thy love. O merciful Jesus, who would not
hope from Thee a mercy without end? It is true Thou art a God of justice
and purity, and Thou seest in me sins beyond compare. But yet can it be
that the same God, Who every instant of my life yearns to be near me, Who
begs so pleadingly for my heart: can it be that He will condemn me to
hell? Oh, no, tender Heart of my Jesus! it will never be so if I am truly
sorry. My sweet Jesus will never abandon me, if with a truly repentant
heart, I have recourse to Him. Why should I fear death when I look upon my
God agonizing in the throes of death? His death was to help me in my dying
hour, so that seeing the pain that I have inflicted I might bear mine
without complaint. O sweet Heart of Jesus, I offer Thee my death. I am
willing to suffer all the pains Thou wishest to send me. Let me suffer as
much as Thou pleasest, only let me die clasped close to Thy loving Heart.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I adore the admirable impulses which made Thee
all Thy life a victim of love, and led Thee to consummate it by a death of
perfect love. Grant that, by Thy holy grace, my heart may become a living
sacrifice, desiring only to be offered up and to offer up all things for
Thy greater glory. Amen.
Sixteenth Day. The Heart of Jesus for all Eternity.
Eternity is Thine, O my God, and Thou givest it to Thy elect, that they
may love Thee without any doubt or fear. Life is short: the last hour may
toll for me when I least expect it. O thou city of God, when shall I
behold thy beauty? Oh, the grace and blessing of dying at peace with Thee,
great God; of closing our eyes in a holy death, to open them amid the
splendors of eternal joy! Meanwhile Thou givest me a pledge of this bliss
in the admirable Sacrament of the Altar. Where can love like Thine be
found? Thou givest me Thy body and blood, Thy soul and divinity, as a
pledge of eternal happiness. If then, Thou art wholly mine, can I be
otherwise than wholly Thine? A thousand thanks to Thee, O my sweet Jesus,
Who art so loving to me. Thou didst call me to Thy service, but I have
responded weakly. I often disappointed and displeased Thee, yet, O Heart
of my God, Thou art all mercy, and Thou wilt not turn away Thy face from
Thy poor child, who casts herself down before Thee in contrition and
shame. I will clasp Thy feet and remain there until Thou wilt once more
say “thou art forgiven: go in peace.” Thou art just, O Lord; nevertheless
be moved to pity me. I promise that I will always serve and love Thee, and
avoid anything that could in any way separate me from Thee.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I adore Thy death of complete charity that placed
Thee in the grave. Let me enter into the wound of Thy Heart, made by the
lance, and may I die there for love of Thee. O heart of Mary, Mother of
the Heart of Jesus, I have recourse to thee, that thou mayest speak to me
in its stead. The Heart of Jesus and thine are but one, and what thou dost
for me He will approve.
Seventeenth Day. The Heart of Jesus Sorrowful unto Death.
No one can be a true follower of Thee, O sweet Jesus, who travels by any
road save that of Thy cross. For what trouble, what trial or affliction
can we meet with, which has not been suffered by Thee? What were the
agonies and pains Thy Heart bore for me! I am poor, but am I poorer than
Thou, Who hadst not whereon to lay Thy head? I may be reviled and
persecuted, but what are my persecutions in comparison to Thine, O my
Jesus? Thou wast abandoned in Thy hour of agony even by Thy apostles, and
betrayed into the hands of Thy enemies by one whom Thou hadst made Thy
friend and companion. Thy whole life, O my Jesus, was one unbroken series
of crosses, borne sweetly and patiently through love of me. Take courage,
then, my soul, from the example of our dear Lord, and bear with noble
strength all the trials and afflictions that may be sent to thee. I will
keep my eyes fixed on Thee, cursed and buffeted, insulted and spat upon,
scourged and crowned with thorns, a heavy cross laid upon Thy poor,
mangled shoulders, and Thy dreadful crucifixion—all for love of me. Surely
then, my God, the desire will grow in my heart to be ready and willing to
make some return to Thee. Yet without Thy help, dear Jesus, I am utterly
helpless to bear the little trials Thou so lovingly dost send me. Thou
hast said clearly, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross and follow Me.” And again, “Whosoever doth not carry
his cross and come after Me, cannot be My disciple.” I understand then,
dear Jesus, that if I wish to claim the name of follower of Thee, I must
imitate Thee in carrying the cross. I throw myself into Thy loving arms,
my sweet Jesus; do with me as Thou choosest, only give me strength and
courage to abide with Thee forever.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I adore Thy impulses of charity, which made Thee
wish to fill my heart and my soul with Thine, my spirit with Thy spirit,
and to feed my body with Thy sacred flesh. I adore Thy divinity, concealed
from my sight under the symbols of Thy mystery of love, and I beseech
Thee, of Thy mercy, to use my soul, my mind, my heart, and my body as a
temple consecrated to Thy honor. O Sacred Heart, I adore Thee as a victim
sacrificed by the ascendancy and power of its own pure love. Amen.
Eighteenth Day. O Heart of Jesus, Thou Art All Mine and I Am All Thine.
Heart of my God, Thou art for me light, hope, heaven, eternity, all. I
thank Thee, sweetest Jesus, for all Thy generosity towards Thy unworthy
creature. I scarcely know myself when I feel Thee so near my heart in holy
communion. Oh, let that love of Thine fill my heart; do not leave me till
Thou grantest me the comfort I hope and claim of Thee. Lord, were I to ask
of Thee temporal things, Thou mightest well refuse them, but I ask that
which thou Thyself art pleased with—Thy holy love. I cannot love Thee
unless Thou grantest me power to do so. Heart of my Jesus, where shall I
find Thee if not where Thou art really present—in the Adorable Eucharist?
Be Thou blessed a thousand times, my Jesus, Who hast provided so sweet a
source of comfort for us poor exiles in this vale of tears. I behold
Magdalen approach Thee, her heart full of shame, and I behold her leaving
Thee, her heart full of peace and love. I see Augustine filled with the
malice of sin, and all at once he becomes one of Thy brightest saints. Is,
then, Thy power shortened? No, no, Thou never failest in coming to those
who in lowliness of heart cry to Thee for help. Let me, then, O my sweet
Jesus, show Thee all my sorrow and reveal to Thee all my need. If I had
loved Thee as warmly as I have loved myself and my sins, I would have been
a saint long ago. Now once more I return to Thee; let my hope never be
confounded.
Prayer.
Be Thou blessed and praised forever, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, hidden under
the mystical veil of the consecrated Host! Grant that I may worthily
praise Thy ardent love. Thou art all in all to the saints in heaven. Give
me Thy grace, that to me also Thy Sacred Heart may become all things, and
that I may love and adore Thee in spirit and in truth. Amen.
Nineteenth Day. God is Charity and He Who Lives in Charity Lives in God.
The Heart of Jesus, a great saint has said, is the abode of every virtue,
the source of every blessing; always filled with love for us, it is ever
ready to receive, to shelter, and to comfort us. O you who are bending
under the burden of sorrow or want, or who are forever struggling against
temptation, fly to this sweet Heart; there you shall find that God is
love, that He is ever attentive, and ever prepared to hear our slightest
prayer. Oh, then, merciful Heart of my Jesus, be with me everywhere, even
when I do not ask Thee, because then the peril is much greater. Stretch
out Thy hand to me and draw me unto Thee. Thou hast told Magdalen that
much was forgiven her because she had loved much; but was it not Thyself,
sweet Jesus, that gave her such love? Give me the same love, my Jesus, and
I shall love Thee as much. Ah, my Jesus, my heart is no longer mine—I give
it to Thee without reserve. Let it live for Thee and Thee only; keep it, O
Lord, and guard it as Thine own. If the angels rejoice over the returning
of the repentant prodigal, wilt Thou not find greater delight in that
prodigal’s sincere desire of thanking Thee and loving Thee more and more?
I resolve that my heart will henceforward bear Thee company by visiting
Thee in Thy tabernacles, and by fidelity to prayer.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Who in a wonderful Sacrament hast left us a
memorial of Thy Passion and a pledge of Thy love, grant us, I beseech
Thee, grace so to venerate the mysteries of Thy body and blood, that we
may ever feel within us the fruits of Thy redemption, Who livest and
reignest with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God forever and
ever. Amen.
Twentieth Day. The Sacred Heart is a Most Patient Rewarder.
Thou, O sweet Jesus, possessest all wealth and bounty; we know that Thy
riches are inexhaustible, and that Thy desire to impart them in Thy
generosity is without limit and immeasurable. Thy rewards are always far
greater than our merits. For a very slight service, Thou givest so amply
that the greatness and depth of Thy rewards will be equal to their
duration. Jesus, light of my life, shine on my poor, wretched soul, and
plant in it the precious fruits of hatred of sin, deep contrition, and a
firm, lasting resolution of amendment. Make this poor heart of mine gladly
embrace and bear all the crosses that Thou mayest send me as aids to the
attainment of my only end—that of abiding safe in Thy bright home forever,
sweet Jesus, with Thee. However great the sufferings of this life may be,
we can all have recourse to God, and obtain strength and courage in the
thought that Thou, dear Lord, hast been the first of all great sufferers,
and that Thou wilt never permit our troubles to exceed our limited
strength. Oh, how sweetly and lovingly dost Thou receive the soul who,
notwithstanding temptation and trials, hast always served Thee faithfully,
and hast persevered to the end in Thy service! O my sweet Love, aid me by
Thy grace to bear all afflictions with loving patience, so that I may one
day receive my everlasting reward.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, which from all time wast inflamed with love for
the glory of Thy heavenly Father, and for our salvation, be Thou praised
and blessed forever! Kindle in our hearts that divine fire Thou hast
brought upon the earth, and grant that we may never, on our side, oppose
it, but that by Thy holy grace it may ever burn there. Amen.
Twenty‐first Day. The Heart of Jesus will Glorify us in Heaven.
My Jesus, when will that moment come, when having followed faithfully the
path of crosses and tribulations, I shall hear Thee say, “Well done, good
and faithful servant; because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I
shall place thee over many. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Oh, the
joy the soul will feel when, on reaching heaven, she shall find herself in
the company of the angels and saints; of Mary, her good Mother, and shall
recognize all her friends and relatives! What joy will it not be to find
one’s self safe in port, free from all danger, safe forever in the arms of
God! The happiness of heaven once insured is ours forever more; it cannot
be lost. There will be no more sorrow nor trouble. Thou, O my sweet Jesus,
wilt wipe away all tears from our eyes, and with Thy sweet voice, Thou
wilt gladden our hearts. My soul, enter into thyself, and reflect that
thou wert made for this glory if thou wilt only struggle to the end. How
foolish then is he, who for a brief passing moment of pleasure, would
fling away all claim to that glory, which as St. Paul says, “Eye hath not
seen nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man what
things God hath prepared for them that love Him.” Take courage, my soul,
and do not murmur against those trifling tribulations, which God in His
mercy sends for our own true weal. Most loving Jesus, give me grace to
welcome them, to embrace them eagerly, and to bear them according to Thy
good pleasure, and with sincere resignation to Thy holy will. O my sweet
Jesus, grant that I may one day reach that joyful kingdom, there to unite
my voice to those of the ever blest ones who, with ceaseless transports of
joy, cry out before Thy throne, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts;
heaven and earth are full of the glory of Thy majesty.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Victim of love, consecrated Altar where all
sacrifices are completed, Thou art the glory of the Holy Trinity, the joy
of the angels and all the blessed, and the unfailing hope of mortals. Be
Thou the sole Master of the desires and affections of my heart. O Heart of
Jesus, that lovest me so tenderly, make me love Thee fervently in this
world, so that I may love Thee eternally in heaven. Amen.
Twenty‐second Day. The Heart of Jesus Opened.
Jesus, even after His death, allowed His sacred side to be opened by a
spear‐thrust, in order that we might see with what good‐will He had
suffered, and how ardently He was inflamed with love of us, and with
desire for our salvation. This opening of the side of Jesus, and the
wonderful shedding of blood and water, should fill us with a sweet
gladness, tempered with tears of sorrow for our evil. The only time in
which we wounded not His Heart was that time in which we had not yet been
furnished by nature with that dangerous weapon, our natural liberty, the
origin of all our offences against God. He could have deprived us of that
free will which has been the instrument by which we have offended Him so
often; but no, He comes unto us with all love, disclosing to us all the
sweetness of His kind Heart. O my Saviour, Thou never ceasest to renew Thy
loving assaults! Thou didst wait on me, yearning to enfold me in Thy
divine embrace. O peerless mercy of my Jesus’ Heart, how can I ever repay
Thee? Heart of my Jesus, I shall endeavor to prove my love for Thee by
atoning as far as is in my power for the many insults offered Thee. I
shall adore and love Thee to the utmost of my power, I shall visit Thee,
hidden as Thou art in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar, and delight in
holding sweet converse with Thee. Thy side is open wide: for whom, if not
for poor sinners? O my sweet Jesus, I can enter therein at will. In Thy
Sacred Heart I can find true sorrow, and contrition for all my ingratitude
and thanklessness. Oh, give my heart steadiness and fidelity, that so
these resolutions may be effectual and practical.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Who with incomparable love didst vouchsafe to be
crowned with thorns, blindfolded, and struck with a reed, stripped of Thy
garments, nailed to the cross, and lifted up thereon between two thieves:
to have gall and vinegar given Thee to drink, to be wounded with a spear:
I beseech Thee, O Sacred Heart, by all these pains, and by Thy cross and
death, to deliver me from all that displeases Thee and in Thy mercy to
lead me whither Thou didst conduct the penitent thief. Who livest and
reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Twenty‐third Day. The Heart of Jesus the Source of All Happiness.
There is one thing for which every heart craves, after its own manner. We
all long for happiness—that is the one great desire that lives in every
soul. Hast Thou not, sweet Jesus, given us that longing? And when Thou
hast given so much surely Thou wilt not refuse the accomplishment of this
desire also. Tell us, dear Lord, what souls are happy, and we will learn
from their example. Let us look at the faces of those who serve Thee, and
we will see them growing brighter and brighter as they draw near Thee, and
they will tell us. When we love Thee sincerely, then we shall be happy;
when we make Thy will the centre around which we move, then we shall be
happy; when Thy sweet Heart, hidden under the sacramental species, is more
beautiful in our sight than all else, when we shape and mould our lives
according to the example of that Sacred Heart, then peace and joy and
happiness will be ours. Teach us, sweet Heart of Jesus, from Thy
tabernacle, to serve Thee as Thou deservest, to love Thee above all
things, to work for Thee bravely and generously, solely because of Thy
love and not for Thy gifts. Oh, what happiness may I not promise myself if
I but cling to Thy most generous Heart, and use my best endeavors to
faithfully serve, adore, and love it. Inflame my heart, O Jesus, with the
fire of love with which Thine is ever inflamed. With St. Ignatius I will
say, “Jesus, Lord, give to me Thy love and grace divine, and I shall be
rich enough.” Henceforth I accept the remainder of my life and all its
events, whether bitter or sweet, from Thee; fixing my eyes on the
tabernacle alone, I will serve Thee because it is Thy will I should do so.
Help me, my Jesus, unto the end; let me find no happiness but in Thee.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, how blessed is he whose only hope and confidence
is in Thee, Who alone canst satisfy the yearnings of his heart! Thou art
indeed the light of our true heavenly land, the delights of which surpass
all that our human senses can experience. Too late have I known Thee, O
ancient beauty! Too late have I loved Thee! But if I have begun so late,
make me now love Thee perfectly. Amen.
Twenty‐fourth Day. The Love of the Saints for the Heart of Jesus.
What a contrast there is between my conduct and that of Thy saints—between
my indifference and their love towards Thy sweet Heart in the Blessed
Sacrament! St. John Francis Regis, when worn out with labor, would retire
to the church and would there find repose and rest at the feet of Jesus.
St. Francis Xavier used to pass the night and take his repose in the
sacristy, so as to be near Jesus. Leopold, Duke of Austria, would dismount
from his horse, and falling on his knees would adore his Saviour as the
procession of the Blessed Sacrament passed him by. It is true that I
cannot, nor does Jesus expect me to imitate these bright examples; yet if
I have the will and the desire I can do much. Could I not often think of
Jesus, lonely in the Blessed Sacrament, waiting and watching for me, His
poor creature, to visit Him? Could I not, like St. Alphonsus, visit the
Blessed Sacrament every day? Could I not, when I bend my knee before Him,
say “Blessed and praised be the Adorable Sacrament of the Altar?” Could I
not refrain from useless talk in church? Could I not easily assist at
Benediction as often as it takes place in church? All this I could do, O
loving Heart of Jesus, if I only cared for Thee, if the love of Thee had
taken full possession of my soul. But I am weak, O Jesus, and ever prone
to thwart Thy adorable intentions; still I am comforted by the thought
that Thou wilt aid and sustain me. This urges me to pray, in fullest hope
of obtaining all things conducive to my sanctification here, and my
salvation hereafter. Perfect my desires, I implore Thee, and let the
example of Thy saints stimulate me to love Thee in the Blessed Sacrament
more and more.
Prayer.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thou art the source of the joy and holiness of
the saints, and from Thy fulness we receive all that we can have or wish
for in heaven and on earth. Through Thy charity, and through that of the
heart of Thy holy Mother, I beseech Thee to bestow on me the sweet peace
of charity, and to make my heart ever yielding and obedient to the
impulses of Thy divine grace. Amen.
Twenty‐fifth Day. The Agony of the Heart of Jesus.
The Heart of Jesus is filled with terror at the sight of the torments that
await Him. He seems to forget what He is and why He came into this world.
He prostrates Himself on the ground, and beseeches His Father to remove
from Him, if possible, the chalice of suffering which He sees in store for
Him. His agony is so intense that He is covered with a sweat of blood,
which oozes out in great drops and trickles down to the ground. O my soul,
hast thou ever beheld a sight like this? Only Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who
has loved man, has suffered like this. O my Jesus, my sweet Jesus, Thou
hast willingly suffered the divine vengeance which should have fallen on
me. What more couldst Thou have done for me? Surely if our hearts are
human, if there is one fibre of pity or gratitude in our souls, the memory
of Thy agony would never be obliterated. By Thy presence on the altar,
Thou has made me acknowledge the enormity of my sins. Thou hast compelled
me to own that my sins have, as far as they could, reacted every scene in
Thy Passion. And yet do I linger under the shadow of Thy tabernacle? Do I
weep over the wounds I have made in Thy body? Oh, no, dear Jesus! I have
forgotten Thee, and like the Jews, with Thy blood on my hands, I have
eaten and made merry. O tender Heart of Jesus, let it be so no more. Let
my heart be filled with sorrow on account of my iniquities. Let my
repentance be like Magdalen’s; then I shall be happy and I shall be saved,
because Thou wilt never despise a truly contrite heart. O loving Jesus,
make my heart so just, so upright, and so conformable to Thy Heart, that
between Thee and me there may be nothing to offend Thee.
Prayer.
I adore Thee, Sacred Heart of Jesus, suffering in the Garden of Olives. It
is I who deserve all the pains Thou endurest, for I am the cause of them.
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, through Thy sorrow my soul finds consolation, and
by Thy agony my death is made sweet. Give me a contrite and humble heart,
that can participate in Thy pains and sorrows. Teach me how to offer up
the prayer of suffering and patience. Amen.
Twenty‐sixth Day. The Heart of Jesus in the Tabernacle.
The home of Jesus is the tabernacle. Our dear Lord and Saviour dwells
among the poor as well as among the rich. He lives in the noisy, crowded
city, as well as in the lonely, quiet country; in magnificent cathedrals,
as well as in the poorest churches and the most dilapidated chapels. There
He remains, that all may be able to come to His dwelling‐place, to lay
before Him all their wants, to converse with Him and to obtain from Him
all the graces they need, whether for soul or body. Can we imagine
anything more loving or generous? The soul that truly loves Jesus need not
go far to find Him. He can be found in every church in which the Blessed
Sacrament is kept, and there the King of kings, Our Lord and Saviour, is
content to remain, shut up in a tabernacle of wood, with no one to keep
Him company. Well has He been called a “Prisoner of love.” O sweet Heart
of Jesus, because Thou art always with us, we forget Thee; because we are
accustomed to Thy continual presence we heed it no more. Because Thou
never leavest us, we grow tired of Thee and value Thee not. O loving Heart
of Jesus, what ingratitude! Yet surely it ought not to be difficult to
visit Thee and to converse with Thee. How many afflictions, how many
troubles of mind and body, are there to tell Thee; how many graces and
blessings to supplicate; how many sins and transgressions are there to
weep for; how many acts of love and thanksgiving to be poured forth for
all Thy numberless mercies; how many petitions ought to ascend for the
conversion of those who neither know nor love Thee! O compassionate Jesus,
grant that we may ever remember Thee in Thy loving Sacrament, and let Thy
dear words ever sound in our ears: “Come to Me, all you that labor and are
heavily burdened, and I will refresh you.”
Prayer.
I adore Thee, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, the joy, the satisfaction, and the
supreme Ruler of all hearts. With the same loving kindness that led Thee
to take the hand of St. Thomas, and carry it Thyself into Thy side, make
my heart seek no joy but in Thee, O Sacred Heart. May my heart be ever
subject to Thy gentle sway, for out of Thee it will find but labor and
tribulation, and all the consequences of its unhappy bondage. Amen.
Twenty‐seventh Day. The Heart of Jesus is My Hope.
In the Heart of Jesus we live, and move, and have our being. O Jesus, Thy
care of me is so wise and gentle, that nothing can harm me so long as I
leave myself in Thy hands. I know the trials which Thou sendest me are
irksome, that my passions goad me on to rise up against Thee, and the
demon also whispers in my ear, “Thou hast Jesus no longer, He has
abandoned thee for aye.” But no, never will I lose my hope in Thee; I
shall not be affrighted; remembering the loving lessons Thy Heart has
taught me, I will fear no evils. Too powerful in the strength, my God,
that comes to me from the assurance that Thou, sweet Love, rulest my life
and art a sharer in all my sorrow. No, I will not fear, for Thou art with
me. With Jesus, my God, by my side, my hope acquires new strength. I have
with me a Father Who loves me and Who is ever intent on blessing me. My
eyes behold Thee not, yet through the wondrous agency of Thy grace, Thou
art near to me at every place and at every moment. Be Thou then, sweet
Jesus, my comforter, my delight, my crown. My senses will murmur, it is
true, my passions will arise in rebellion, but fortified by Thy grace and
strength, I will fight against sin with a fortitude invincible. Aid me
then, O divine Heart, for Thou art my only hope. Let me rest and repose on
Thy bosom and forget my wanderings. Let me learn that there and there
only, I am in my true home, where alone I can be happy.
Prayer.
O most compassionate Jesus! Thou alone art our salvation, our life and our
resurrection. We implore Thee, therefore, do not forsake us in our needs
and afflictions, but by the agony of Thy most Sacred Heart and by the
sorrows of Thy immaculate Mother, succor Thy servants whom Thou hast
redeemed with Thy most precious blood. Amen.
Twenty‐eighth Day. All Graces Come from the Heart of Jesus.
All virtues are found in the Heart of Jesus. His Heart is the furnace of
divine love, always burning with the fire of the Holy Spirit, purifying,
kindling, and transforming into Himself all who yield themselves to Him,
or who wish to be His. “My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready.” I
will extol Thee, O God, my King, and I will bless Thy name forever. Since
all good flows from Thy most sweet Heart, O Jesus, I should not attribute
to myself anything of the good I may have done, nor regard with self‐
satisfaction the gifts of God, but ascribe all to Him, and return all to
their original source, which is the Heart of Jesus. Place all your sins in
the Heart of Jesus. Through that Heart you should ask for grace and
pardon, and praise and bless Him for all His mercies. I acknowledge, O my
God, Thy supreme dominion over me, and all created things. I bow down
before Thy infinite sanctity, perfection and excellence, which entitle
Thee to the fullest love, service, and praise of all Thy creatures. In Thy
presence I protest my detestation of my countless sins, with which I have
outraged Thy love, and deeply repentant, I implore of Thee a full pardon.
Open wide Thy Heart of love, and let stream on my heart all the full
sympathy of Thine. I know Thou canst not trust me, as I am ever prone to
break my word and betray Thee. Hence I need all Thy care, all Thy grace to
persevere in the good resolutions Thou formest in my soul. O sweet Virgin
Mother of my Jesus, help me to praise and bless the Lord for all the
benefits He has bestowed on me, and for all those He will grant for all
eternity.
Prayer.
My sweet Jesus, I give Thee my soul, my body, and my will, resigning
myself in all and forever to Thy most holy grace. Do with me what Thou
pleasest. Make me ever love Thee in this life and in the next; do this,
and then dispose of me and of everything I have as Thou wilt. Tell me what
Thou askest of me; for with Thy grace I will execute it, be it what it
may. Amen.
Twenty‐ninth Day. The Heart of Jesus the Source of Sanctity.
This adorable Heart offers to us at once the motive, the example, and the
grace of holiness. What could be more of an incentive to keep ourselves
from sin, than the remembrance of Our Lord’s Sacred Heart, which was
saddened by sin to such an excess as to cause His sacred body to sweat
drops of blood? What more calculated to inspire us with zeal for our
sanctification than the study of this Heart, which calls us to it with so
much love, and by so many sacrifices? St. Bernardin of Sienna speaks of
this divine Heart as a furnace of the most ardent love, capable of setting
the whole world on fire. We find in the Heart of Jesus the grace of
holiness, for as Blessed Margaret Mary says, “Nothing is better calculated
to raise the soul in a very short time to the loftiest degree of holiness
than devotion to this dear Heart.” She also says that those who labor for
the salvation of souls will find in this devotion the gift of touching the
hardest heart. It is because this divine Heart is the throne whereon mercy
is seated, that invocations made to it are never in vain. It is the strong
tower against which all temptations are powerless. It is the source of all
benedictions. Oh, we should love with all our strength the amiable Heart
of Jesus, no matter what it may cost us! We should sanctify ourselves at
any cost, and to do this we should love and burn incessantly in the
furnace of the pure love of God, which will purify and sanctify us at one
and the same time. Let us, then, abandon ourselves into the hands of God,
and we shall soon see that He will employ every means to make us perfect.
He who loves perfectly makes no resistance. My Jesus, take unto Thee my
heart; I give myself wholly to Thee. May I ever be scrupulously faithful
and unflinchingly constant in loving Thee, this day and every day of my
whole life.
Prayer.
O beloved One of my soul, would that I had always loved Thee! Alas, there
was a time when I not only did not love Thee, but despised Thy grace and
Thy love. I am consoled by the sorrow which I feel for it, and I hope for
pardon through Thy promise to forgive him that repents of his sins. To
Thee, O my Saviour, do I turn all my affections; help me, through the
merits of Thy Passion, to love Thee with my whole strength. Amen.
Thirtieth Day. The Heart of Jesus in Holy Communion.
Oh, how shall I dare to approach Thy heavenly banquet, that mystery which
is the greatest and most stupendous work of even Thy almighty love? that
banquet of which the noblest and purest spirits are in no sense truly
worthy? Yet I feel myself comforted, when I read in Thy Gospel that Thou
sendest forth Thy servants in quest of the poor, the blind, the lame, and
the wretched, to invite them to Thy bounteous feast divine. O goodness of
God! O Heart of Jesus, truly loving art Thou, and truly worthy of all
love. Not only willingly, but eagerly do I accept Thy sweet and merciful
invitation. What a consolation to be allowed to enjoy the loving embraces
of the divine Spouse of my soul! As the hart panteth after the fountains
of water, so my soul panteth after Thee, O God. Oh, come then, Heart of my
Jesus, come to Thy poor servant. I desire to tell Thee all my needs, to
protest to Thee my love, to clasp Thee to me. Come, and as Thou enterest
my heart, let me hear Thy sweet, consoling words, “Peace be to thee.” Oh,
fortify me with Thy light and strength, that I may no more lose Thee or
drive Thee from me. But as long as I live, I am in danger—my resolution
may become weak and I may betray Thee as I have done before. O Love
unbounded, do Thou help me; from Thee and from Thy Heart, I hope all good.
Let not that hope grow weak at any time, nor waver for a single instant.
This I implore of Thee through the same love which has made Thee remain
with us day and night, and which has induced Thee to give Thyself for our
food in the Blessed Sacrament.
Prayer.
Remember, O most loving Jesus, that it is unheard of that any one ever had
recourse to Thy Sacred Heart, implored its help without obtaining relief.
Confiding in Thy infinite goodness and mercy we cast ourselves before
Thee, and do most humbly supplicate Thee to hear our prayers, and to take
upon Thyself the care of our salvation. Show, divine Jesus, that Thou hast
the Heart of the best of Fathers. Shelter us therein, and let it not be
said that we have perished, where no one ever found but mercy, grace and
salvation. Amen.
Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
(_For Private Devotion Only._)
Lord, have mercy on us.
_Christ, have mercy on us._
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
_Christ, graciously hear us._
God the Father of heaven, _Have mercy on us._
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, _Have mercy on us._
God the Holy Ghost, _Have mercy on us._
Holy Trinity one God, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, hypostatically united with the Word of God, _Have mercy on
us._
Heart of Jesus, sanctuary of the divinity, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, temple of the Holy Trinity, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, abyss of wisdom, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, ocean of goodness, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, throne of mercy, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, treasure inexhaustible, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, whose plenitude is diffused in us, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, model of all virtues, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, infinitely amiable and most worthy of being loved, _Have
mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, fountain of living water springing up to eternal life,
_Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, love of the celestial Father, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, atonement for our sins, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, full of bitterness for our sakes, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, sad unto death in the Garden, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, wrung with ignominy, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, wounded from love, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, drained of Thy blood on the cross, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, broken with grief on account of our sins, _Have mercy on
us._
Heart of Jesus, still outraged by ungrateful men in the Most Holy
Sacrament of love, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, refuge of sinners, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, strength of the weak, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, comfort of the afflicted, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, perseverance of the just, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in Thee, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, sweet support of Thy adorers, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints, _Have mercy on us._
Heart of Jesus, help in our afflictions, _Have mercy on us._
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, _Spare us, O Jesus!_
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, _Hear us, O Jesus!_
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, _Have mercy on us, O
Jesus!_
Christ, hear us.
_Christ, graciously hear us._
_V._ Jesus, meek and humble of Heart.
_R._ Make my heart like unto Thine.
_Let Us Pray._
O Lord, almighty Father, eternal God, cast Thine eyes upon Thy beloved
Son; accept, we beseech Thee, the satisfaction He offers Thee; be appeased
by His divine homage, and mercifully protect us, through the same Christ,
Thy Son, Who, being God, livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the
Holy Ghost. Amen.
Mass in Union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Introibo.
O divine Jesus, Thou art the Victim laden with all the iniquities of the
world: Thou didst shed bitter tears for them; Thou didst expiate them by
the most dreadful torments, and by the most cruel of deaths. I come to
mingle my tears with Thine; I confess to Thee, in the presence of Mary,
ever Virgin, and of all the saints, that I have sinned exceedingly; that
it is my ingratitude that pierced Thy Heart, and put Thee to a cruel
death. O God, my Saviour, through Thy tears, through Thy agony in the
Garden of Olives, through Thy precious blood and the wound in Thy Sacred
Heart, I beseech Thee to pardon me, and to grant me the remission of all
my sins. Amen.
Introit.
Let us adore the Heart of Jesus, which has loved us so much; let us
prostrate ourselves before Him, and bewail the sins of which we have been
guilty. Grant us, O Lord, a contrite and humble heart; let the homage of
our adoration be as acceptable to Thee as if we offered Thee thousands of
victims. Amen.
Kyrie.
The days of propitiation have arisen upon me; I may call Thee by Thy name,
O God of majesty; I may call Thee my Saviour and my Father. Thou art
present on our altars, that Thou mayest heap Thy favors upon us. I will
draw nigh, therefore, with confidence unto the throne of mercy, and I will
say unto Thee: Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner. Amen.
Gloria.
Glory be to God, Whose justice is satisfied by the perpetual sacrifice of
so noble a Victim. Peace and happiness on earth to men of good‐will, who
behold a God annihilating Himself daily to save them, and to feed them
with His own substance. I praise Thee, I bless Thee, I adore Thee, O Lord,
and I stand amazed at the sight of the wonders of Thy love. Shall I suffer
them to be of no avail to me through the evil dispositions of my heart?
Shall I reject that peace which Thou offerest me? Shall I not labor to
acquire that good‐will by which it comes? O my God, allay the strife which
is so often excited in my heart, making the flesh rebel against the
spirit. Amen.
Collect.
O Divine Jesus, inexhaustible fountain of all good things, open unto us,
we beseech Thee, the interior of Thy Heart: that, having entered by pious
meditation into this august sanctuary of divine love, we may fix forever
there our hearts, as the place wherein is found the treasure, rest and
happiness of holy souls; Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
Epistle.
“Wisdom hath built herself a house, she hath hewed her out seven pillars.
She hath slain her victims, mingled her wine, and set forth her table. She
hath sent her maids to invite to the tower, and to the walls of the city:
Whosoever is a little one, let him come to me. And to the unwise she said:
Come, eat my bread, and drink the wine which I have mingled for you.
Forsake childishness, and live, and walk by the ways of prudence” (Prov.
ix. 1‐6).
Gospel.
Praise, honor, and glory be to Thee, O Jesus, Saviour of the world! Who,
thirsting for the salvation of souls, didst endure for them so much labor
and fatigue; Who for their sakes didst pass entire nights in prayer, and
didst weary Thyself going from city to city, from village to village.
Grant, I implore Thee, that Thy love may also make me prompt and apt in
every good work, and that I may never grow tepid in Thy service. Help me
to know and practise the holy counsels contained in Thy Gospel, and grant
above all that I may penetrate the divine wisdom contained in Thy words:
“If any man will come after Me, let him take up his cross and follow Me.”
Credo.
I believe, O my God, the truths which Thou hast revealed to Thy Church. I
desire to live and die in this faith. Grant, O Lord, that my life may be
conformable to my faith; that my faith may be animated by good works; that
I may never be ashamed to declare myself a Catholic, and may constantly
maintain the interests of Thy holy religion. O holy Roman Catholic Church,
the persecutions which thou hast endured, far from weakening my faith, do
but strengthen it the more, since thy divine Spouse foretold them. Sweet
Heart of Jesus, draw close the bonds that bind me to Thy holy Church; put
into my heart a spirit of perfect obedience to my lawful pastors. In its
bosom I became Thy child, and in its bosom I wish to live and die. Amen.
Offertory.
O Jesus, we draw near with confidence to Thy sweet Heart: cast upon us, we
beseech Thee, a look of pity, and make our hearts a perpetual offering
consecrated to Thy glory. O Heart of infinite goodness, I offer Thee my
heart; vouchsafe to change it, to bless and sanctify it. O my soul, how
Jesus Christ hath loved us! At what a price He hath redeemed us! Not with
gold, nor with riches, but by the voluntary shedding of His blood. He hath
sacrificed Himself for us: let us then live only for Him; let us sacrifice
ourselves together with Him. But, O my God, my heart is not full enough of
love and fervor to be an offering worthy of Thee. What then shall I give
Thee? I will give Thee Thy Son. That Son, the most worthy object of Thy
complacency, will supply my inability. O Lord, look not on me, but on this
divine offering. Amen.
Preface.
Lift up, O Lord, do Thou Thyself lift up my heart to Thee. Take from it
all unholy thoughts, all earthly affections. Lift it wholly up to heaven,
where Thy Heart is worthily adored, and to the altar, where it is about to
manifest itself to me. Through Thy most kind Heart, I beseech Thee to draw
my heart wholly into Thine. Bury it in Thine, so that it may be so
absorbed into and united to Thy Heart, that I may no longer have any heart
but Thine. Suffer me, then, to join my feeble voice with the voices of all
the heavenly spirits, and in union with them to say, in transports of joy
and admiration: Holy, holy, holy is the Heart of Jesus! the worthy object
of the divine complacency, and of the homage of heaven and earth! The
whole earth is full of Thy glory; let my heart be full also of its love.
Amen.
Canon.
O God infinitely holy, if my sins provoke Thee, and make me hateful in Thy
sight, look upon the Lamb without spot, Who is going to immolate Himself
to take away the sins of the world, and beholding His merits, remember not
my ingratitude. Remember only that I have been graciously admitted into
the Heart of Thy divine Son. This Heart infinitely merciful prayed for me
on Calvary, and will soon renew the sacrifice of itself for me. O my sweet
Jesus, how many times have I sinned against Thee? How many times have I
despised the interior graces Thou hast bestowed upon me? Oh, how earnestly
I now desire a perfect contrition, equal to the greatness of the love that
I have offended. But, since it is impossible for my sorrow to equal Thy
goodness towards me, I offer the loving contrition of the Heart of my Lord
Jesus Christ to supply my insufficiency. Amen.
Consecration.
O my soul, behold thy God, thy Saviour, thy Judge! My God, I adore Thee!
My Saviour, I love Thee! My sovereign Judge, I am sorry for ever having
offended Thee! O Heart of my Jesus, Whom I believe to be here really
present, suffer me not to be separated from Thee during life. Grant that
my heart may ever find repose in Thine, that I may die in Thy love, and
thus go to contemplate and praise Thee for all eternity. Amen.
After The Consecration.
The heavens are opened: the Holy of holies has descended on the earth:
this altar is now the throne where dwells the majesty of the Most High;
the angels surround Him, and with the most lively homage of reverence and
love, make reparation to Him for the contempt, the neglect, and the
indifference of men. O divine Lord, I lay all my petitions at Thy feet;
vouchsafe to present them to Thy Father. I pray for the conversion of
sinners, the perseverance of the just, and the triumph of our holy
religion. O Jesus, Who didst die for all men, bring back to the fold of
Thy Church those who are separated from it. Enlighten all infidels and
heretics, bless the efforts of those who labor to convert them. Have pity
on the souls of the faithful departed; remit to them their debts, and
grant them a place of refreshment, light, and peace. I beseech Thee
particularly to have compassion on (_name them_).
Pater Noster.
O my Father, if it be permitted that a guilty child call by so tender a
name a God Whom he hath so often offended, grant that I may ever labor for
the glory of Thy holy name, that in all things I may do Thy will, and sigh
unceasingly for Thy heavenly kingdom. Let the forgiveness which Thou didst
grant Thy murderers be my example in forgiving those who have injured me:
give me superiors, both spiritual and temporal, that love Thee, and
friends that serve Thee faithfully; and if ever I expose myself to sin, do
Thou deliver me from the danger, that I may never outrage Thy loving
Heart. Amen.
Agnus Dei.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world! Pure and spotless
Victim, Who alone canst satisfy the justice of an offended God, vouchsafe
to make me a partaker of the merits of Thy sacrifice! What lessons of
humility, meekness, charity and patience dost Thou give me! Impress these
virtues upon my heart, that it may be to Thee a pleasant habitation,
wherein Thou mayest repose, as in an abode of peace. Amen.
Communion.
O Christ, mighty Lord, most sweet Jesus, my strength and my refuge,
defender of my soul, God of my salvation! O Thou in Whom I believe and
hope, Thou Whom I love, behold I draw near to Thy throne of grace, I knock
at the door of Thy mercy, and beseech Thee to open it for me. Thou Who
didst promise entrance into paradise to the penitent thief, bring me,
through the most holy wound of Thy side, to the centre of Thy breast, and
let me drink at the fountain of wisdom that flows from Thy Heart. O God of
infinite mercy, receive me, enclose me, hide me in the bosom of Thy mercy.
Amen.
After Communion.
I have found Him Whom my soul loveth: I possess Him, and will nevermore
leave Him. What have I to desire in heaven, and what can I henceforth love
upon earth, but Thee, O my God, the God of my heart! O most loving Jesus,
were it possible, I would fain praise Thee as perfectly, love Thee as
ardently, serve Thee as faithfully, please Thee as completely, and
contribute to Thy glory as efficiently as do all angels and men
collectively and as each one does in particular. O most merciful Lord, God
of holiness, vouchsafe to cleanse my heart from all self‐love and all
sinful affections. Make it a pleasing abode for Thee. Let it become like
unto Thy Heart, that Thou mayest delight to dwell in it forever. Amen.
Benediction.
O loving Heart of Jesus, I will not depart till Thou hast blessed me.
Bless me in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost!
and let Thy blessing descend upon all those for whom I ought to pray.
Amen.
Last Gospel.
O eternal Word, Who wast made man that Thou mightest make men the children
of God, I thank Thee for this unspeakable grace. How great is the blessing
I enjoy, not only of hearing the name, but of being indeed the child of
God! Grant, O my sweet Jesus, that I may preserve this blessed title, by
faithfully imitating Thy Sacred Heart, and showing myself always filled
with love for Thy holy law. If I remain faithful Thou assurest me that I
shall be co‐heir with Thee, and shall enjoy the happiness which Thou hast
purchased for us with Thy precious blood: and this I hope to obtain
through Thy infinite mercy. Amen.
After Mass.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me:
Body of Christ, save me:
Blood of Christ, inebriate me:
Water from the side of Christ, wash me:
Passion of Christ, strengthen me:
O good Jesus, hear me:
Within Thy wounds hide me:
Permit me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy defend me:
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to Thee;
That, with Thy saints, I may praise Thee
Forever and ever. Amen.