Dr. Helen Titilola OLOJEDE

Last week, we discussed June as the month the Church devotes to Sacred Heart, the role of Mary Margaret Alacoque, her visions and the promises of Sacred Heart to her. But what is the Sacred Heart of Jesus? The Sacred Heart of Jesus symbolises the love and compassion that Jesus has for us as humanity. The heart represents love and devotion and the real essence of Jesus Christ. The feast is usually celebrated on the Friday after the octave of Corpus Christi, which falls on the third Sunday after Pentecost.

 

In this month, we are encouraged to deepen our devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus through prayerful reflection and acts of charity. What are some ways we can devote ourselves more fully to the Sacred Heart:

1. Praying of the litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus which is a prayer of intercession asking for mercy, love and protection of Jesus
2. Participation in the enthronement of the Sacred Heart where the image of the Sacred Heart is placed in a conspicuous place which is a way of inviting Jesus into the home and acknowledging His role as the Head of the family.
3. Praying the Novena to the Sacred Heart is yet another way we can more devoutly adore show our love to the Sacred Heart

 

What do the different parts of Sacred Heart symbolise?

 

The Heart itself: The heart, the seat of feeling and emotion, is a testament to the profound love and affection of Jesus for us. It is a symbol that is sometimes displayed alone, but often accompanied by the image of Jesus. It is mostly depicted as red, the colour of the blood that Jesus poured out for our salvation (John 19:34). His love for us was so immense that he gave his life for us (John 3:16). Red symbolizes this fervent love. Less frequently, the heart is depicted as purple, yellow or white.

The Crown of Thorns. The heart is often depicted with a crown of thorns, a stark reminder of the stings our sins cause. During Jesus' passion, the executioners wove a crown of thorns and placed it on Jesus’ head (Mt 27:29; Mk 15:17; Jn 19:2, 5), symbolising the excruciating pains and agonies Jesus endured for us.

 

The Flames. They represent the intensity of the warmth of Jesus’ love.

The Cross. It shows that it is on the Cross that Jesus showed the love of his Sacred Heart

The Rays of Light. Jesus is light (8:12; 12:46), and the love of his heart enlightens the world (Jn 1:9).

 

When next you encounter an image of the Sacred Heart, pause and reflect on the depth of each aspect's symbolism.