Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Day 4

This novena to the Sacred Heart began on Thursday, June 3, and will conclude on the Feast of the Sacred Heart on Friday, June 11. Each day of the novena there will be posted: an image of the Sacred Heart; a brief reflection; a scripture verse; a Litany of the Sacred Heart by Wendy Wright; and a closing prayer. As the Year for Priests comes to a close, please remember priests along with all those for whom you pray this novena.


Window in the Church of the Gesu, Loyola Heights, Quezon City in Manila
Click on image for larger, clearer version

Reflection for Day 4
It is not easy for us to "look upon him who was pierced for our sins. (See the inscription in the stained glass above) To ponder the sacred heart of Jesus is to ponder the heart most heavily burdened and broken by sin. But from the brokenness of Jesus' heart there flow forth pardon and peace for us who stand at the foot of his Cross, looking up to his pierced side. In the broken, sacred heart of Jesus we find our healing, our forgiveness and the promise of life forever. As Jesus broke the bread on the night before his body was broken for us on the Cross, so does he call us to break ourselves open to serve and nourish the lives of those around us, especially those in need.

Scripture
They shall look upon him whom they have pierced...
-John 19:37

Litany of the Sacred Heart

Heart of Jesus, hear our prayer!

So loving
So humble
So gentle
So compassionate
So faithful
So wise
So patient
So steadfast
So tender
So spacious

Heart of Jesus, hear our prayer!

God’s joy
God’s shalom
Harp of the Trinity
Wingbeat of the Spirit
Breath of God
Five-petaled rose

Heart of Jesus, hear our prayer!

Womb of justice
Birthplace of peace
Our dearest hope
Longing of our lives

Heart of Jesus, hear our prayer!

Freely flowing fountain
Spring of grace
Freshet of forgiveness
Merciful river
Mystical dew

Heart of Jesus, hear our prayer!

Warmth of our hearts
Transforming fire
Cosmic furnace
Enflamer of hearts

Heart of Jesus, hear our prayer!

Heart of evolution
Beginning and ending
Center of all

Heart of Jesus, hear our prayer!

Garden of virtues
Mystical dew
Table and food

Heart of Jesus, hear our prayer!

Our refuge
Our shelter
Our comfort
Our rest
Our welcoming breast

Heart of Jesus, hear our prayer!

Wounded by love
Pierced by our cruelty
Broken by our hardness
Mystic winepress
Poured out as gift

Heart of Jesus, hear our prayer!

Have mercy, gracious heart,
Give us gratefulness
Teach us tenderness
Let us learn to love.

Hear our prayer!

- Wendy Wright

Let us pray...
God of all our hearts,
give us the courage and grace
to look upon the broken heart of our brother, Jesus,
and to find in his heart the forgiveness of our sins.
Help us to break ourselves open, as did he,
in sacrifice and service for our sisters and brothers.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.


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