The Eucharist and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Summer Day of Reflection at the Abbey

On July 29, Saint Gregory’s Abbey in Shawnee hosted the summer Day of Reflection led by Father Peter Shults, O.S.B. It featured presentations, discussions, prayer and meditation sessions on the Holy Eucharist and the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Father Peter introduced the participants to the devotion to the Sacred Heart, and explained that it has love for its object, for its motive and principle, and ultimately practicing the devotion naturally leads to greater and more perfect love for Christ.

Father Peter strived to motivate the participants to open their hearts to the transforming power of love flowing from the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

“The Sacred Heart of Christ is incarnational. In his heart the divine nature meets the human nature. This is the way to holiness for us,” said Father Peter. 

He elaborated on three main areas of the devotion and graces to be anticipated from its faithful observance: zealous discipleship for Christ, deeper communion with the Lord by sharing more intimately in his passion and resurrection and consolation in difficulties of daily life. 

Father Peter further discussed examples of saints with great devotion to the Sacred Heart, including Saint Mechtilde, Saint Gertrud and Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, among others, and explained the indivisible relationship between the devotion and the transformational nature of the Eucharist. 

“Contemplating the Sacred Heart of Jesus that was pierced on the Cross anchors us in the Eucharistic mystery; it unites us to our Savior and Lord; it leads us back to the source and summit of our faith … He opened his arms wide on the cross, silently speaking, ‘Come into my heart,’” said Father Peter. 

Father Peter encouraged the attendees to receive the Holy Communion more frequently, which is the most effective way of practicing the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

He explained, “The Eucharist will set you on fire, it will galvanize you, and it will then inevitably overflow to the world that has grown cold, leading to our completion of the Christian mandate of the Gospel, ‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations …’” (Mat 28:19-20)

After reviewing potential obstacles to practicing the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Father Peter discussed numerous fruits and visible marks of the devotion and one’s closeness to the Eucharistic Christ, such as: meekness, esteem and love for the cross/suffering, veneration of everything that references Jesus Christ and true charity. 

The participants expressed their appreciation for the comprehensive presentations of Father Peter, the multitude of practical examples on how to practice the devotion to the Sacred Heart in everyday life and the variety of valuable information for daily prayer. 

Jieun Chang from Saint Eugene Catholic Church in Weatherford shared, “I traveled here to learn how to incorporate the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus into my daily schedule. I strongly feel that when practicing this devotion my life will always have a meaning and purpose in Christ … I believe, God is drawing me to his heart and telling me, ‘Don’t stop burning with love for me. Try to get to know me more and more every single day’.”

Joanne Horn from Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church in Midwest City has been practicing the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus for almost 40 years. 

“To me, the devotion and the Eucharist are inseparable. They unite the mystery of redemptive suffering of Christ on the cross. My morning offering prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus helps me to remain mindful of him throughout the day and fight temptations,” said Horn.

Continuing to share her personal experiences, “Everyone is looking for love and most people search for it in the world, while it can really be found only in the Eucharist. When we receive Christ, he enables us to love him, love others, carry our own yoke and give hand to others who might be carrying a heavy yoke as well.”

Closing the Day of Reflection, Father Peter emphasized that the Sacred Heart of Jesus contained for all Catholics in the Eucharist makes them Christ’s witnesses in the world. 

“When we receive Christ’s Body and Blood in the Holy Communion, he is preparing us for a mission to be his disciples, to go to those who are hurting to sanctify them through his power of love in us, to win them, our culture, and our country for Christ,” said Father Peter.

Jad Ziolkowska is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.

Photos: Jad Ziolkowska/Sooner Catholic