(Joh
19:34-35) But one of the soldiers with a spear
opened his side: and immediately there came out blood
and water. And he that saw it hath given testimony:
and his testimony is true. And he knoweth that he
saith true: that you also may believe.
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EXCERPT
CATHOLIC STAND
When I educated children about Jesus’s
Sacred Heart, I showed them an image and
pointed out the various symbolisms. This is
something parents can do with their own kids
this month.
| ✦ The
red color used in the Sacred Heart image
recalls the blood Jesus poured out for
us. Red also signifies the impassioned
love of Jesus which is why he laid down
his life for us. |
| ✦ The
heart typically is encircled with the
crown of thorns that Jesus’s
executioners placed on his head. The
piercings represent the cuts caused by
our sins and reminds us of how Jesus
suffered on our account. |
| ✦ A
proper Sacred Heart image will show a
gash on the lower portion of the heart.
This gash is a remembrance of when the
soldier thrust his lance into Jesus’
side to prove He was dead. |
| ✦ Some
images depict blood droplets flowing
from the wound, reminding us that he
underwent a painful, horrific death. The
droplets also recall that Jesus said,
“This is my blood of the covenant which
will be shed on behalf of many for the
forgiveness of sins.” |
| ✦ The
Sacred Heart of Jesus will have flames
emitting above the upper, center of the
heart. These flames symbolize the
intense warmth of Jesus’ love. |
| ✦ There
is also a cross displayed in the midst
of these flames. It is on the cross
where Jesus most definitively proved the
love in His heart for us. |
| ✦ Finally,
many depictions of the Sacred Heart will
have rays of light beams radiating from
the heart. The rays remind us that Jesus
is the light of the world and His love
enlightens the world. |
|
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EWTN
NEWS EXCERPT
- I will give them all the graces necessary
for their state of life.
- I will give peace in their families.
- I will console them in all their troubles.
- I will be their refuge in life and
especially in death.
- I will abundantly bless all their
undertakings.
- Sinners shall find in my heart the source
and infinite ocean of mercy.
- Tepid souls shall become fervent.
- Fervent souls shall rise speedily to great
perfection.
- I will bless those places wherein the
image of my Sacred Heart shall be exposed
and venerated.
- I will give to priests the power to touch
the most hardened hearts.
- Persons who propagate this devotion shall
have their names eternally written in my
heart.
- In the excess of the mercy of my heart, I
promise you that my all-powerful love will
grant to all those who will receive
Communion on the first Fridays, for nine
consecutive months, the grace of final
repentance: They will not die in my
displeasure, nor without receiving the
sacraments; and my heart will be their
secure refuge in that last hour.
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20.
The seas wastes with time, as Job says (Job 14:11).
And with time and patience, the things of which we
have spoken are gradually acquired and perfected in
us
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