This episode of The Inner Life (a Best of the Week pick!) hits straight to the heart… literally. On the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr. John Eckert joins Patrick Conley to talk about the burning love of Jesus. Be sure to check out the full episode!
Join us tonight, June 27 at 7pm CT for the Family Rosary Across America as we conclude our 54-Day Rosary Novena to the Sacred Heart. We’ll consecrate the needs of the Church, our families, and our new Holy Father to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
🫀 “Is That… a Real Heart?”
The Sacred Heart is wounded, crowned in thorns, and literally on fire, because Jesus wants us to see His love. It’s real, physical, divine, and human.
Fr. Eckert tells a story of a bride-to-be who walked into his church and was like, “Whoa. That Sacred Heart statue? His heart is, like…hanging out of his chest.” Honestly… Father sees this as a good point. But that’s exactly the mystery: Jesus isn’t subtle. He’s offering His whole heart, wounded and all. 💔🔥
Back in 1675 France, Jesus appeared to a sickly, contemplative nun: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and he basically said: “Humanity has forgotten how much I love them. Help me remind them.” Despite opposition (and bad health), she spread this devotion; 350 years later, we’re still talking about it. That’s the power of Divine Love + a nun with grit.
“Jesus Loves You” Isn’t a Throwaway Line
Yes, we’ve all heard it a million times. “Jesus loves you.” But… does it really mean anything to us? Have we comprehended the fact that Jesus loves each and every single one of us personally?
🙋♂️ “So, What Difference Does This Make?”
Good question. If God’s love isn’t just abstract, but active, present, and relentlessly personal, then:
-You’re not alone. Ever.
-You’re not just tolerated. You’re wanted.
-You don’t have to earn His love. He already gave it.
We’ve been loved into existence, and Jesus thirsts for our love in return. Father reminds you that God who won’t force you to love Him but won’t stop loving you either. 💘 “He doesn’t call us slaves… He calls us friends.” (John 15:15)
This devotion isn’t fluff. It’s foundational. If you want your faith to feel alive again, or you’re struggling to believe you matter to God, look at His Heart. It’s all there: the wounds, the fire, the invitation.
His Sacred Heart is the answer to your deepest question:
“Am I really loved?”
Yes. A thousand times yes.
And He’s not just saying it. He’s showing it. 🔥🫀
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