The Sacred Heart – Exploring the scriptures used for the Feast in the Liturgy of the Church

Our last meditations with the scriptures for the Feast of the Sacred Heart involve shepherding. What a blessing it is to see that the heart of the shepherd is the Sacred Heart of Jesus’ desire for us. Psalm 23 is a classic psalm of confidence. It is used as the responsorial psalm for the Year C cycle of readings for the Feast of the Sacred Heart. What makes it so special for this feast is the confidence that it invokes. Just the start, “the Lord is my Shepherd…” instills a sense of trust knowing that it is the Lord who is guiding and watching over us. He is the one who leads us to green pastures, walks with us through the dark valley (and many of us can relate to the dark valleys that we encounter in life). The steadfast care of the Sacred Heart for us can fill us with confidence knowing that we are loved by the Shepherd who desires to lead us to the Kingdom where He lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen!
 
Using the praying with the scriptures blog for a Lectio Divina with Psalm 23

As you pray with this passage, what are the thoughts, feelings, and desires that well up within you as you consider this passage in light of the Heart of Jesus that burns with desire for you?
 
How does this passage help you to understand the Sacred Heart of Jesus (or why would the Church include this in the Liturgy of the Hours/Mass for this Feast Day)?
 
Write down the verse that speaks to you in a powerful way. Write it down and put it in a place that you will see frequently so that you can be reminded of the love the Heart of Jesus has for you!
 
Pray this Novena prayer to the Sacred Heart to conclude your prayer time.
Divine Jesus, You have said, “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened to you.” Behold me kneeling at Your feet, filled with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by Your Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary. I come to ask this favor: (Mention your request)?

To whom can I turn if not to You, Whose Heart is the source of all graces and merits? Where should I seek if not in the treasure which contains all the riches of Your Kindness and mercy? Where should I knock if not at the door through which God gives Himself to us and through which we go to God? I have recourse to You, Heart of Jesus. In You I find consolation when afflicted, protection when persecuted, strength when burdened with trials, and light in doubt and darkness.

Dear Jesus, I firmly believe that You can grant me the grace I implore, even though it should require a miracle. You have only to will it and my prayer will be grated. I admit that I am most unworthy of Your favors, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercy, and You will not refuse a contrite heart. Cast upon me a look of mercy, I beg of You, and Your kind Heart will find in my miseries and weakness a reason for granting my prayer.

Sacred Heart, whatever may be Your decision with regard to my request, I will never stop adoring, loving, praising, and serving You. My Jesus, be pleased to accept this my act of perfect resignation to the decrees of Your adorable Heart, which I sincerely desire may be fulfilled in and by me and all Your creatures forever.

Grant me the grace for which I humbly implore You through the Immaculate Heart of Your most sorrowful Mother. You entrusted me to her as her child, and her prayers and all-powerful with You. Amen. (From a Treasury of Novenas: Catholic Book Publishing Company)