If you have good news, when do you tell it?

As soon as possible! Which might make you wonder, why did Jesus wait until the 1670s to reveal His Sacred Heart?

There are two things to remember: God’s timing is perfect and God speaks to human beings in their history and culture. What do I mean by God speaking to human beings in their culture?

Well, in France in the 1600s, the Catholic Church was facing a challenge from a group called the Jansenists. They believed that God was incredibly strict and that only a few people were chosen to go to heaven. This made people feel scared and unworthy of God’s love.

To teach everyone about His deep love and mercy, Jesus appeared to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque in 1675 – just when the Church needed His love the most. Jesus showed us His Sacred Heart to remind us that His heart is burning with love for us. He wanted everyone to know that His love isn’t just for a select few, but for anyone who comes to Him.

Jesus always provides the Church with exactly what it needs. In the 1600s, Jesus asked Saint Margaret Mary to spread this message and to encourage people to honor His Sacred Heart. It was a direct response to the fear and strictness that the Jansenist ideas were spreading. Even today, it can be easy to think that we can’t receive God’s love. But the Sacred Heart teaches us otherwise!

The devotion to the Sacred Heart helps us understand that God’s love is vast and welcoming, not limited or exclusive.

PRAY WITH US AT 7 PM CT

Join us tonight at 7pm CT for the Family Rosary Across America. Let’s show Jesus that we appreciate His boundless love and ask for hearts that reflect His mercy.

And now, you can also join our Family Rosary Across America text group by texting “PRAY” to 914914 for updates and reminders to pray with us during this novena.

See you at the Rosary!