Allow Your Heart to Be a Vessel of Christ's Love

Emily Jaminet discusses how devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus can help us in our motherhood.

"Thank you, Jesus, I am filled with nothing but gratitude," was the small prayer that escaped my lips after getting off the phone with an old friend who has journeyed with me on my long path of motherhood. Looking back over the last 25 years, I can see the Lord's hand in my life and how His love has transformed aspects of my life that I had no idea were possible, including my vocation of motherhood. I spent many years wishing I had the solution for the issues in my life, but now I can see that THE solution is allowing the Lord to reign as King, Lord, Savior, and Friend of my heart and family.

Fr. Stash Dailey, co-host of the Sacred Heart Hour, once said, "Jesus spiritually rearranges the furniture of our life." The Lord helps us rebuild, reprioritize, renew, heal, and restore so we can live a life filled with inner peace, fulfillment, and joy. No matter what our trials and difficulties look like, Jesus strengthens us to continue our journey in this world, leading us to Heaven.

In my early years of parenting, I envisioned being a "perfect mom," yet I now know this is not possible. The only "Perfect Mom" is the Blessed Mother. However, parenting has taught me that the actual mission field starts in my own heart, where I need to let go of the counterfeits of love, such as pride and selfishness, which hinder the heart from loving others as Christ desires. Jesus invites us to follow Him:

"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves." (Matthew 11:29)

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a powerful reminder that His love is boundless and meant to be shared with others. I now know that Jesus desires to make our burdens light and that He is the one doing the heavy lifting; the more we turn to Him, the more we can encounter His graces and peace.

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As mothers, we can easily dwell on what's "wrong with the world or "what is wrong in my world" instead of surrendering it to the Heart of Jesus and letting His grace fill our hearts with gratitude, wisdom, and peace. As the saying goes, "If Mama ain't happy, no one is." Moms set the tone for the house, shaping the family's attitude and vision for how we engage with the world. That is why our relationship with Jesus is so important we are invited to be the "heart of the home" and thus allow your heart to be a vessel of Jesus' love.

Now We Celebrate:

This past December 27, 2023, marked the 350th anniversary since Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and the Jubilee will conclude in June 2025. Jesus invited St. Margaret to be His "Disciple of the Sacred Heart." She dedicated her life to sharing "Love for Love" with Christ and emphasizing the importance of this devotion to others. We, too, are invited to rediscover a devotion that our ancestors relied on as the backbone of their faith in both good times and bad worldwide.

Where Do I Begin?

The first promise to those who practice this devotion is that Jesus desires to "give us all the graces necessary for your state in life." Jesus desires to pour His grace into your life, guiding you daily. Turning to Him provides a fresh perspective and opens paths we never imagined. Jesus reassures us, saying, "Fear nothing; I will reign despite My enemies and all those who oppose Me" (II,105). He wants us to seek refuge in His Heart, knowing He is the King of Hearts. Truthfully, He is waiting for us to open wide the door to our hearts.

Expose and honor His image. Jesus told St. Margaret Mary wants His image to be exposed and honored, so let's do that! Pope Pius XI observed that the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart is a "pious custom practiced by countless families, acknowledging the Kingship and sovereign rule of Christ" (Quas Primas). Welcome Christ in a new way by building a covenant of love through the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart. This practice was first approved in 1907, and we can see today the graces that flow from when we give Jesus a prominent place in our life, home, Catholic School, and Catholic workplace.

To experience the Love of God, choose "Love for Love," the theme of the Jubilee. When we love Christ and offer our "daily prayers, joys, works, sorrows, and sufferings" back to Him, Jesus can bring meaning to every aspect of our lives. For instance, attending Mass on the First Friday for nine consecutive months fulfills one of the 12 Promises and provides a roadmap for living your life. Read the 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart and learn more about the Sacred Heart at WelcomeHisHeart.com.

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No matter what our trials and difficulties look like, Jesus strengthens us to continue our journey in this world, leading us to Heaven. #CatholicMom

May you, too, encounter the graces you need through cultivating a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart and witness firsthand the healing, hope, and love of His heart.

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