Sacred Heart Novena Day 9

Pray with us Day 9 of the Sacred Heart Novena in preparation for the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

We have to overcome a weakness of faith before we get anywhere in faith. It is not easy to believe. It is easy to agree to a “bunch of truth”, but to be able to believe that God is Emmanuel, this Good, all around us and within is, not just merciful, but Mercy Himself – a Heart moved by misery, by need. He is this kind of Love. He is all around us and in us.

If you want to arrive to the point where faith really is, see where it is in the Scriptures: the faith of Moses, Isaac, Jacob, the prophets, the greatest of them – Jesus, the Son of God Himself. “If you see me, you see the Father.”  What is that faith?  “Abraham, I am calling you.”  “Who are you?”  “I am Emmanuel, I am God-with-you.  I will take you by the hand and we will go.”  No map and no details are given.  And there is no “price-tag” – “What am I going to get out of it?”

It calls for tremendous trust to take someone’s hand and say, “OK lead me.  I believe you know me by my name, that we are going together and you will never go away from me even when I am in the deepest depth.”

He loved us first.  This is what matters.

(Servant of God Sister Ida Peterfy – July 18, 1975)

Psalm 25:4-7

Make me know Your ways, Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
For You I wait all the day.
Remember, Lord, Your compassion and Your faithfulness,
For they have been from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my wrongdoings;
Remember me according to Your faithfulness,
For Your goodness’ sake, Lord.

Heart of Jesus, patient and abounding in mercy, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke You, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in You, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You, have mercy on us.

Prayer of Consecration on the Occasion of the U.S. Bishops Consecrating the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:

You know the longings of our hearts, and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.

From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life, for which we thirst.

Your heart burns with a love for all people to return to a right relationship with you.

We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.

May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.

May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign, pointing all people to your infinite love.

O Desire of Nations and Center of History, we ask you to bless these United States of America. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!