Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

There can be such emptiness in us and in our families.
Jesus can fill that emptiness!

"Always keep your eyes on the Sacred Heart of Jesus, King and Center of all hearts. From Him ... you will draw down His blessing, if the image of His Heart--besides being impressed on your mind--is always exposed and honored on the wall of your home!" ~Pope John Paul II

Many of us have walked into a Catholic Church we'd never visited before. It is almost reflex action to look for the Sanctuary Lamp. When we find that lit candle, our hearts are filled with warmth and satisfaction. We know that Jesus is home. Jesus is present heart, soul and spirit. We can spend time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. It is indeed a special place we visit. Jesus is there!

We can visit a home we've never visited before as well. We can look around and see the things that are most important to those who live there. We might find a large screen television set, a good stereo and perhaps some memorabilia from their favorite sports team. In Wisconsin we're likely to find lots of gold and green ... reminding us of the Packers.

If we look ever so closely we might find a small crucifix. Family and wedding pictures may be on the wall. Tucked away in a drawer might be a rosary or two, and perhaps some religious items from earlier times. Even so, our hearts might not be filled with warmth and satisfaction. We might sense a certain emptiness. The surroundings seem to point to things that are temporary. It can be hard to find the center of the family. Family members themselves may experience this emptiness. They might go to Church on Sundays and Holy Days. They may pray before meals. Still, something is missing.

It doesn't take a genius to realize that family life is in trouble. Many of us spend more and more hours working. We try to buy the things that will make us and our family members happy. Still, that happiness is elusive. We can strive to be independent. Sometimes we pretend things are alright. Then we try to help solve the problems of those around us. We find it difficult to admit our own vulnerability, our fears or even our hopes and dreams. We have the things we need. Why do we feel so empty?

Our lives need a center. Our homes need a center. We are offered a wonderful way to center our lives and our homes. We are offered a wonderful way to fill the void in our lives. Jesus waits to be invited fully into our homes. We can do that through our devotion to Jesus' Sacred Heart. We can enthrone an image of the Sacred Heart into our homes. As we acknowledge Christ as king of our home and our family, we can receive the benefits promised those who do so.

This appears on the Web Site, Father Pat's Place at: http://frpat.com
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