This week many Christians throughout the world including our Roman Catholic brethren, fellow Anglicans and Episcopalians are celebrating the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. For me the most Sacred Heart of Jesus shows the three components that are required to do God’s will in the world including having the right passion of only love, not hatred, jealousy, or lust of power, the willingness to sacrifice, and finally accepting that we must follow Jesus example.
Br. Curtis Almquist at the Episcopal monastic order of the Society of St. John the Evangelist in 2007 described it’s significance saying “The Sacred Heart of Jesus: a visual and verbal symbol how Christ is with us and others in suffering, Christ’s sacred, passionate, wounded, encompassing heart broken open for the broken hearts of the world”.
At Jesus crucifixion a Roman soldier named Longinus who was suffering near blindness stabs Jesus in the torso causing “water and blood” to flow out which comes into contact with Longinus eyes immediately curing them. As told in Mark 15:39 Longinus then proclaims “This is truly the Son of God”. He was later executed for converting to Christianity.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola wrote the Anime Christi , a devotional prayer, for Christian formation in the 15th century reflecting the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me;
Within thy wounds hide me;
Suffer me not to be separated from thee;
From the malignant enemy defend me;
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to thee,
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me;
Within thy wounds hide me;
Suffer me not to be separated from thee;
From the malignant enemy defend me;
In the hour of my death call me,
And bid me come to thee,
That with thy saints I may praise thee
Forever and ever. Amen.
The concept of the Most Sacred Heart in English Christianity was strongly promoted in the Middle Ages and in the time of the Stuart Kings.
The 18th century English Theologian, John Wesley, noted it’s significance in Christian formation. He stated that God works through the heart to develop faith. In Christian formation he adapted the concept that through the heart as Jesus taught us by example you must work to attain faith. Wesley noted his struggle to become a faithful person took a long time. He implied that preaching begins without real faith but over time the heart is overcome and becomes faithful.
The Sacred Heart was renewed during the Oxford movement which once again emphasized the Episcopal Church’s Apostolic traditions, Catholic roots, and foundation in the sacraments. The influence of the SSJE on many American episcopal clergy and lay persons incorporating these teachings has had a major effect on their spirituality. Some Episcopal churches in America are noting this feast this week and some clergy are attending retreats in this devotion.
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