By Mary DeTurris Poust
I did not grow up with any particular devotion to the Sacred Heart. Sure, we had the classic Sacred Heart picture in our family room. You know, the one that follows you wherever you go? (See exact replica above.) My younger brother has the Sacred Heart tattooed on his upper arm. I've even gone to more than my fair share of First Friday Masses but without really making the Sacred Heart connection in any significant way. I just never really "got" this devotion. That is, until recently. I've had to spend some time with the Sacred Heart lately, and suddenly I find myself drawn to this new connection to Jesus in a powerful way, and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I think it hits a mother nerve -- knowing my own heart-to-heart connection to my children makes it easier to imagine and appreciate the deep heart-to-heart connection between Mary and Jesus.
In anticipation of the Feast of the Sacred Heart, which we celebrate tomorrow, here are some links to very different pieces on this subject. One, from Jesuit Father James Martin, looks at how the Sacred Heart can help us in dealing with the sexual abuse crisis. Click HERE to read that post on America magazine's blog, In All Things. (Father Martin, incidentally, has edited a great little book that covers the Sacred Heart and many other classic devotions. Check out Awake My Soul: Contemporary Catholics on Traditional Devotions, by clicking HERE.)
The other link, from Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, reminds us that this devotion, which some view as too simplistic or old-fashioned, can have a powerful impact on our daily spiritual lives. He's seen it first hand. Click HERE to read Archbishop Dolan's weekly column, "Lord, To Whom Shall We Go?"
And click HERE for prayers to both the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart.
