My first memories of the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus date back to when I was 7 years old, and I lived in Cd. Juárez, Mexico. Back then, my grandma Rosita, who lived with us, had a devotion to the Sacred Heart. In her own room hung a wooden frame picture of Jesus pointing at His Heart. As part of her devotion, my abue (grandma) used to light a veladora (candle) in His honor every so often while reverently praying something inaudible to me.
What I did not know then was that my mom would one day pass on this endearing image to me as her firstborn. Remembering, Alex and I were married for almost two years then, when we left our hometown of El Paso, Texas, to start our missionary journey in Charlotte, North Carolina. A big move, especially for someone of Latino/Hispanic descent. Thus, mi mamá (my mom), with tender words and tears in her eyes, gave me my grandma’s Sagrado Corazón (Sacred Heart). This was a symbolic way to keep us united through the miles which were about to exist between us.
Some years later, when Alex and I already had 2 children, I came upon a booklet for the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the promises made to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in her visions of Jesus Christ. I thought it providential having the Sacred Heart image along with those early precious memories, and now, the booklet about it. It seemed to me it was time to finally learn my abue’s prayer words, and deepen my relationship with Jesus by adding another moment of prayer to my life as a young mom. Little by little, those daily moments became refuge in times of emergencies, air in the middle of financial problems, and life in times of sickness. In other words, I learned to truly place all my trust in Jesus.
The Sacred Heart image now hangs in our master bedroom along with the one of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The two heart enthroned in our home here in California. We really stand on my abue’s devotion who, by her example and inaudible prayers, left us an inheritance that cannot be corrupted by time or sickness! In these uncertain times, may the Sacred Heart of Jesus be enthroned in our hearts that we may daily trust in Him.
Let us pray: Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.
Same Heart from which it flows forth for the salvation of the world Your unfathomable mercy, I trust in You.
Loving Heart pierced for us, gushing with blood and water, rays of Your inexhaustible Mercy, I trust in You. Amen.