The Sacred Heart of Jesus

"God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us."

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is not just a symbol, it is the beating heart of a love that does not wait for us to be worthy. St. Paul reminds us that God's love reaches us not when we are perfect, but precisely in our weakness, our struggle, and our need. That is what makes it so extraordinary.

This is the foundation of all Christian kindness: we don’t act kindly because someone deserves it, we are kind because we have been loved first.

When kindness feels hard, when others seem difficult to love, remember: Jesus did not wait until we were ready. He loved us into readiness. Let us allow this love to shape how we speak, how we forgive and how we reach out.

“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us… While we were still sinners, Christ died for us, and so, having been justified by his blood, we shall be saved through him.” (Romans 5:5b–11)

Pause and Recall

Take a quiet moment to remember a time when you felt far from God, Maybe you were burdened by guilt or doubt. Did you feel how God reached out to you first, offering forgiveness and reconciliation through Jesus' sacrifice?

Examine your Heart

Is there someone you’re still upset with or a hurt you’ve been holding onto? Think about a person you’ve given up on or a wound you haven’t yet brought to God for healing.

Act in Love

Choose one solid step toward reconciliation this week:

Send a note or text of apology or forgiveness.

Pick up the phone to make peace.

Pray silently for that person each morning.

Live in the Promise

Share Paul’s joy in knowing that, “much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life,” by letting this truth shape your words and deeds. Allow God’s poured-out love to overflow from your heart into every relationship.

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart of Jesus,
gentle and humble, strong and merciful—
teach me to love as you love.
Let my heart be softened by your compassion
and shaped by your mercy.

When I grow impatient,
fill me with your patience.
When I feel cold or distant,
warm me with your nearness.

Make my heart more like yours—
ready to forgive,
eager to serve,
and open to all.

May your kindness flow through me
so that others may feel your love.
Amen.