Heart of Jesus, Loaded Down With Reproaches
In this lesson, Annabelle Moseley, poet; author; and Professor of Theology, leads Day 23 of the 33-Day “Our House of the Sacred Heart” Consecration and teaches “The Lesson of the Dove” as a real-life example of waiting. Beautiful prayers, devotions, art, stories, scripture and poetry are included in this podcast that won’t take much of your time… but is time well-spent.
Reflection on Art
Reflect on your response as you study this painting. What story do the hands tell? What do you think of the placement of the dove? Where do you see the embodiment of humility?
Questions of the Day
- Was there ever a time you felt so close to the presence of God that you didn’t want to leave?
- Did you ever feel so close to God that you were afraid to stay?
Today’s Challenge
Think of ways you need the healing of the Divine Physician. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in the decisions you make today. See if there is anyone you can help today, bringing The Spirit to them… through the work of your hands and also through prayer!
Download the prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus here if you’d like to save it or print it for reference!
Listen to Author Annabelle Moseley interviewed by Dr. Mary Anne Urlakis on her show “Vows, Vocations, and Promises: Discerning the Call of Love.” Hear Annabelle talk about what inspired her to write this book, what it was like to write it, why she decided to lead a Consecration to the Sacred Heart and answers to other intriguing questions.
Very enjoyable reflection opportunity for 33 days before Feast of the Sacred Heart. A friend bought me the book as a gift, then let me know about the podcasts from Annabelle each day. I have really enjoyed them. I live on Long Island and am at the Seminary in Huntington several times a year on ministry work. I felt warmed to hear the author referring to many of the paintings there. I really enjoyed today’s reflection on “The Dove. The Sacred Heart mini-chapel at the Seminary is indeed beautiful and Annabelle’s poems brought the panels to life! Thanks for all the sharing through this book and the podcasts.
Poussin’s beautiful artwork of “The Annunciation” reveals much to the viewer. The values of light, Mary looking up, the Holy Book of wisdom and knowledge and the Archangel Gabriel being sent as messenger from God tells a story of humility, love and obedience. I am reminded that the Holy Spirit is present and living within us through prayer, love and the grace we receive from Him. In keeping the Holy Spirit present and moving within us we come to understand that He intercedes for us in fighting the weakness of sin and armoring us with strength and love to all that will listen. “Sacred Heart of Jesus, I commit this day to you” as you open your heart to love and mercy. How can we reproach a God who is so forgiving. As I wake up each day, the Holy Spirit is moving within me and helping me to love and help not only myself but others. Oh Holy Spirit “Breathe in us all that is Holy”. Let us ask that are words and actions in all that we do are Holy. Strengthen and guard us always.
Before the Pandemic, I attended the 7 AM Mass every morning. I would get to the Church by 6:30 and just sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament and have my very own “Holy Hour” with my Lord. The peaceful solitude of spending that time with my Lord gave me the fortitude to get through the rest of the day no matter what would happen. I missed being able to access the Church before Mass.
What I did in the meantime was join different prayer groups on Zoom to fill that void.
Upon rising I say the Prayer to my Guardian Angel (7 Glory Be) followed by 7 Glory Be to the Holy Spirit for enlightenment. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created; and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
O God, who didst teach the hearts of Thy faithful people by sending them the light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in His holy comfort, Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
O HOLY SPIRIT, SWEET GUEST OF MY SOUL, ABIDE IN ME AND GRANT THAT I MAY EVER ABIDE IN THEE!