Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Day 8

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 near its end, please remember priests along with all those for whom you pray this novena. (Click at the top of the sidebar for other entries in this series.)


Sacred Heart, used with permission of the artist, Stephen B Whatley (please see here and here)

Reflection for Day 8
Some will be drawn to the shadows over Jesus' left shoulder and seek a place to lay down their burdens . Others will find in the tired sadness on Christ's face one who will understand their own pain. Some will be drawn to his hand inviting them to the longed-for brightness, joy and warmth his heart offers. Can all this be found in the one Christ, at one time? Could any less be found in him whose sacred heart has born the suffering of all peoples and is, at the same time, the source of God's mercy, healing and peace? The heart of Jesus knows every sorrow and joy of the human heart and offers solace and promise to all who will draw near where his hand beckons.

Scripture
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul...
Even though I walk in a dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side,
with your rod and your staff you give me courage...
Only goodness and kindness will follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come.
-Psalm 23

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,
help our hearts to trust in you
in good times and in bad,
in sorrow and in joy.
Draw us from the darkness into light
and lead us to find our home
in your heart.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.


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