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

Over the past two days, we have been pondering the scriptures that tell us to the love in the Heart of the Lord for His Church. Psalm 61, used in the Office of Readings for the Feast Day, gives us a look at our response to this love. This psalm is in the category of a lament. From the start, we see the psalmist is in distress; it seems as if a gulf exists between the psalmist and the Lord. Most likely, the psalmist is in exile away from the Lord. However, the psalmist keeps his focus on the Lord who reigns on high. Then we see the heart of the psalmist who desires to be in the tent of the Lord under the shelter of His wings. This is his prayer. The beauty of this is it can be our response to the Lord’s love for us. Safe within the Heart of the Lord is the place where we can share our thoughts, feelings, and desires. We can do so with confidence due to our knowledge of His love for us as members of the Church, the bride of the Lord.
 
Using the praying with the scriptures blog or post for a Lectio Divina with Psalm 61

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)