Inviting Company at the Summit of our Hearts

Kristina Talbot reflects on the devotion of the Most Sacred of Jesus in this month of June.

As we enter the summer season, I feel as though I should order a t-shirt that says, “I survived the school year with four kids in three different schools.” This past year brought some different challenges for our family as we juggled car lines and activities. It left me very much looking forward to summer where the demands shift in a different way than hours lost in the car going back and forth. At least during the summertime, our hours in the car get to take us to fun destinations. It is no coincidence that our liturgical calendar syncs up with our lives and the month of June is reserved for a special devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Early in my walk, I dialed up devotions in a somewhat military fashion. I would assess the level of intensity of the situation and then apply what I deemed the matching level of prayer response to address the matter appropriately. We are blessed as Catholics to have so many options, and my primary prayer weapons were Mass, Adoration, and the Rosary, along with a few others. With little knowledge base, early on, I reserved the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus for very serious circumstances. I didn’t really understand the significance of the devotion but something about seeing the pierced heart of Christ planted within me an awareness that this devotion is extraordinary in a unique way.

It wasn’t until people I loved really needed a miracle that I witnessed the power and grace that comes from the Sacred Heart firsthand. Lives were transformed, hearts were changed, and it was evident that the Sacred Heart was at the center of the healing transformation requested. Our devotions as Catholic Christians can be misunderstood and looked upon as our own spin on some type of mystical power. The reality is that we are a part of the mystical body of Christ and He has given us His body and blood for the sake of our salvation. This reality opens access to His miraculous healing power and unites us with Christ himself.

What was lost on me is that I mistakenly reserved the profound nature of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for others. But as I reflect on my current season, I realize that I need the Sacred Heart within my heart and family in a new and deeper way. Thankfully, all that is required is an invitation that the Lord is surely to RSVP for. When we invite the Sacred Heart of Jesus into our hearts and into our households, it is a guarantee that He will come as invited. Whether the need is great or small, the tenderness of His Most Sacred Heart responds in love.

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When I was a young adult, I was blessed to ascend to the summit of Montmartre where the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur overlooks Paris. This Basilica has maintained Eucharistic Adoration for more than 130 years without interruption. Despite my not knowing or understanding the history at the time, something within me drew me to this place and experienced a special awareness that His Most Sacred Heart is set apart for you and me. As a result, I have come to learn that enthronement to the Sacred Heart is not a singular event.

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The month of June is reserved for a special devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. #CatholicMom

In a special way during this time of year, we have the opportunity to put the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus at the rightful place of our households and within our hearts. He belongs at the summit, which is so magnificently manifested in Paris as you stand on the steps of the Basilica and see the entirety of the City of Lights. By placing Him at the summit of our hearts and families, it yields over to Him rightful authority to reign in our lives and in our hearts.

Our travels this summer will not be taking us to Paris, but as we approach the upcoming Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, we can move ourselves and family closer to His Sacred Heart. He has reserved room for each of us and our loved ones. There truly is room within His Most Sacred Heart for all of us.

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