First Friday October 6, 2023 

Guards of Honor 1st Friday / October 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 writing to Mother Sumaise at Dijon in 1685, St. Margaret Mary provides an account of the first production and public display of the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. St. Margaret Mary reveals the message she received from the Lord, Jesus, and devotion to the Sacred Heart, “All those who are devoted to this Sacred Heart will never perish and that, since He is the source of all blessings He will shower them in abundance on every place where an image of this loving Heart shall be exposed, to be loved, and honoured.” This display and presence of the image of the Sacred Heart serves also to reunite broken families as well as assist and protect those who are in need of intervention of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In this instance the image serves to offer unity and safety. In the Revelation, Jesus further informs St. Margaret Mary that where the image of the Sacred Heart is honoured, “He will turn aside the blows of the just wrath of God by restoring them to His grace when through sin they have fallen from it.” We are made to understand the image has a supernatural value, protecting the individual from divine punishment when the person has fallen from grace. And St. Margaret Mary continues in her letter that through the relative of a novice who arrived from Paris, he could arrange to have a picture of the Sacred Heart beautifully produced. Yet, we also discover the obstacles St. Margaret Mary must deal with, and we can understand the difficulties in spreading the devotion and image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Although not mentioned by St. Margaret Mary, Satan no doubt attempts to keep the image and devotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus from spreading. Like all Saints, St. Margaret Mary perseveres in her mission.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus reign in our homes and hearts.

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