Among the promises that Jesus sent to us through St. Margaret Mary are two that address our homes and families: (1) “I will establish peace in their families.” and (2) “I will bless the homes where an image of My Heart shall be exposed and honored.” (As I shared on Sunday: This link will take you to that page from the St. Margaret Mary parish in Algonquin, IL, that includes the twelve promises of Jesus for those who are dedicated to His Sacred Heart.)
My parents always had a framed picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in our house, and they gave one to me for my house, too. But I have to be honest, as much as I was happy to have it, I didn’t exactly find a prominent place to put it. Right now it is on my dresser, but kind of obscured from view by other things. I suppose I should find a better place for it! I wonder if I have forgotten other Catholic traditions from my childhood. That is one thing I love about this journey into the blogosphere. I am rediscovering a lot of forgotten pieces of my faith.
Meanwhile, this promise for homes and families is particularly special to me because it reminds me of my dad. He always talked about the importance of family, and that is one way his influence lives on, even though he has gone home to the Lord. (The picture for this post is our family at my mom and dad’s 40th wedding anniversary celebration.) Surprisingly, I don’t remember him connecting to these promises of the Sacred Heart, so I wonder if he was not familiar with them or if I just have incomplete memories. Either way, how wonderful to turn to the Sacred Heart of Jesus to strengthen and enrich our family lives.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of these promises shared with St. Margaret Mary and passed along to us. Help us to remain faithful to Your Sacred Heart. Guide us to build and protect our homes and families according to Your will.