While we honor the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on the First Friday of every month of the year, today (Friday) we celebrate the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. On this feast, we focus our attention on Jesus truly present in the Holy Eucharist and reflect on God’s unconditional love and boundless mercy as symbolized by his heart.

The devotion to the Sacred Heart is closely linked to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. When the Church instituted this celebration in 1856, it placed it on the Friday following the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ.

The institution for the Feast of the Sacred Heart was a result of the appearances of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1675. In these appearances, Our Lord gave Margaret 12 promises that He would give special graces, such as establishing peace in their families and consoling them in their moments of troubles, to anyone devoted to His Sacred Heart. According to St. Margaret Mary, Our Lord requested three things from the people: Frequent reception of Holy Communion, receiving Holy Communion especially on the first Friday of each month, and observing a Holy Hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

In our country, the devotion to the Sacred Heart has become one of the most popular devotions of Catholics. First Friday masses are offered not only in churches but also in workplaces.

In many parishes, Holy Hour observances and vigils are being held.

There are countless organizations in the Philippines whose main task is to propagate the devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

These practices are laudable. But more importantly, our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus must lead us to practice charity – a charity that comes of Jesus Christ who loved us first. “The Love of Christ urges us” (2 Cor 5:14), Saint Paul tells us. If we are loved by Jesus, then we must also show that same love to others, especially to those who are in most need of that love.

As we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, may our hearts be like this. May our hearts also be inflamed with a burning desire to reach out to the lost and give healing to the broken hearted. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.