First Friday August 4, 2023 

Guards of Honor 1st Friday / August 2023 Fr. David Bellusci, OP 

“My Heart has expected reproach and misery and I looked for one who would grieve together with Me, but there was none; and for one that would comfort me, and I found none!” (Ps. 68)

“BEHOLD THE HEART WHICH HAS SUFFERED SO MUCH!”

In her letter written August 17, 1685, to Mother Louise-Henriette de Soudeilles, St. Margaret Mary discusses belonging “wholly” to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. How does St. Margaret Mary explain this “belonging to Jesus”? In fact, the first thing she notices is the person’s “desire,” as she replied to Mother Louise-Henritte. Desire to be one with Jesus, desire to be united with His Sacred Heart. St. Margaret Mary explains that attachment to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the surest way to be saved -- especially in the midst of “misery and corruption”: being one with the Sacred Heart of Jesus means we adore and honour his Sacred Heart. Jesus will also ensure that we are taken care of in spite of the storms of life, so that we may safely reach our destination: “the harbour of salvation.” Can we love the Sacred Heart of Jesus at all cost? To wholly love the Sacred Heart of Jesus means to be consumed by his love. If we love him in this way, nothing will seem difficult since Jesus is all-powerful. How is this love manifested? In suffering and humility--this is the love that Jesus reveals to us: on the Cross. The Sacred Heart of Jesus brings us delight only through union with Him. In the Sacred Heart of Jesus we find love. St. Margaret Mary also explains that the journey to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is not alone, but by helping one another attain it.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, may my heart be consumed by your love.

Prayer to Renew Our Fidelity and Devotion 

Divine Jesus, my Saviour and my King, with all my heart I  renew the promise which I have made to love, to glorify and  to console Your adorable Heart as a member of the Guard  of Honor. Grant O good Master, to make me daily more  loving, more devoted and more faithful. I ask this same  grace for all the Associates through the Immaculate Heart of Your Mother. AMEN