The heart is mysterious. It is the innermost part of our being, giving rise to our actions and words. Our inner dialogue can be heard in our hearts when we are left in silence. The heart is constantly probing and groping for truth, ultimately seeking love. 

My wife and I have been married for 13 years, and I can confidently say that I did not know her heart for much of that time. Why? Because it takes time and searching. It is an act of the will on our part that must be constantly exercised to begin to know the heart of another. 

If this is true for humans seeking to know the heart of another human, how much more necessary would it be to exercise this diligence to seek and know the heart of God? The Sacred Heart of Jesus? This is a tall order, but we should not be discouraged; instead, it should lead us to devotion as it did all the saints before us. This exciting reality should lead us to go to our inner rooms — our hearts — and from there seek the interior spaces of our God — his Heart —our final dwelling and our sure refuge in our earthly life.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart is not a passive act, but one that requires an active interior life. Prayer is the vehicle that leads us to understand the Sacred Heart and ultimately to love it.

My journey with the Sacred Heart of Jesus began in the quiet moments of personal prayer. It was there that I bared my heart to God, listened to his heart, and felt the burning love he had for me. This encounter transformed my entire being, and every subsequent meeting with his heart continues to do so. This transformative experience is the essence of our Christian discipline, and it sets us apart. 

When I encountered the heart of God, it enkindled in me a new, burning desire to share him with the world. Now, as a husband and father of seven, if I am going to tell the world about this heart, I must first make it known in my home. If my home is not a place of transformation — if I fail there — how can I expect to succeed in telling the world? 

So, as a family, we practice devotion to the Sacred Heart. We do this through group prayer, encouraging and giving space to each other for personal prayer and by consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Consecration means giving ourselves entirely to — and inviting a total reign of — the Sacred Heart within our home and the hearts of those who live there. Per God’s request, we often do this through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who leads us to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

I encourage you to do this if you haven’t already. Home is a place of rest and renewal for each of us. Think of it this way: just as a heart pumps blood throughout the body and the blood comes back to it to be renewed and transformed into something that gives the rest of the body life, our home needs to be the place where the Sacred Heart of Jesus renews and transforms us. Through this life-giving renewal, we can echo the words of St. Paul when he said, “It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me.” 

Ultimately, the world changes when we actively take up the life of Christ in us. We are renewed by the grace we receive and then bring out to the world. Jesus’ life retakes form in us, and the world cannot help but be transformed by his presence that we bear, just as it was when he walked the earth. 

This is the call of every Christian.

Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus: is a deeply personal and spiritual practice in the Catholic tradition. It involves dedicating oneself entirely to the love and service of Jesus Christ, particularly through devotion to his Sacred Heart, which symbolizes his immense love for humanity. Here are some standard methods of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus:

• St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Method: This method, popularized by the visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in the 17th century, involves a formal act of consecration, typically performed on the First Friday of the month. St. Margaret Mary received a series of revelations from Jesus, emphasizing the importance of devotion to his Sacred Heart. The method usually includes a period of preparation, often involving prayer, reflection and acts of reparation.
• The 33-day Preparation: This method follows the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola and involves a 33-day preparation period leading up to the act of consecration. It is often based on the writings of St. Louis de Montfort or St. Claude de la Colombière, both of whom were devoted to the Sacred Heart.
• The Enthronement of the Sacred Heart: This is a family-centered devotion that involves inviting Jesus to be the King and center of the family’s life. It typically includes a ceremony in which an image of the Sacred Heart is placed prominently in the home, followed by a prayer of consecration.
• Daily Devotions: Consecration to the Sacred Heart is often accompanied by daily devotions such as the Morning Offering, the Angelus, the rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. These prayers help deepen one’s relationship with Jesus and His Sacred Heart.
• Act of Consecration Prayer: Many consecration methods include a formal prayer of consecration, in which the individual or group offers themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and pledges to live a life of love and devotion.
• Living Out the Consecration: Ultimately, consecration to the Sacred Heart is not just a one-time event but a way of life. It involves living in accordance with the teachings of Jesus, especially those of love, mercy and compassion, and striving to grow in holiness each day.

It’s important to note that while these are common methods, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to consecration to the Sacred Heart. Individuals may find different methods resonate more deeply with them, and it’s essential to seek guidance from a priest or spiritual director and to pray for discernment in choosing the method that best suits one’s spiritual journey.