Jesus, Mercy Incarnate

This, therefore, seems to us to be the most suitable ideal: that devotion to the Sacred Heart —which, We are grieved to say, has suffered somewhat in the estimation of some persons, —now reflourish daily more and more. Let it be esteemed by all as an excellent and acceptable form of true piety. 5 In a follow-up letter to the heads of the religious orders, Paul VI was even more emphatic: Thus, it is absolutely necessary that the faithful venerate and honor this Heart, in the expression of their private piety as well as in the services of public cult, for of His fullness we have all received; and they must learn perfectly from Him how they are to live in order to answer the demands of our time. 6 Finally, in 1994, the new Catechism of the Catholic Church , promulgated by Pope John Paul II, contains the following remark- able statement about the importance of the symbol of the Heart of Jesus (no. 478): The Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced by our sins and for our salvation, “is quite rightly considered the chief sign and symbol of that... love with which the divine Redeemer continually loves the eternal Father and all human beings” without exception. 7 We need not belabor the point. Suffice it to say that for over a century now, the successors of St. Peter have repeatedly exhorted the faithful to honor the Heart of Jesus, and to practice this devo- tion with love and zeal. The popes have good reason for this recommendation, for the devotion to theHeart of Jesus has an impressive pedigree. It is root- ed in the Gospels, in our Lord’s call: “Come toMe, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt. 11: 28-29). 104 Jesus, Mercy Incarnate