Renewing Our Hearts

On October 24, Pope Francis released his fourth encyclical, Dilexit Nos. In it, the  Holy Father calls us to “rediscover the heart as a profound symbol of human dignity and divine love.” Pope Francis explains that the heart represents the sacred connection between God and humanity, reflected most profoundly in the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ. In our fast-paced world, this connection is often forgotten. By reconnecting with the Sacred Heart, we can rediscover true purpose and meaning, finding in Christ’s love an anchor for both personal identity and relational depth.

Transforming Daily Life

As we rediscover the Sacred Heart’s place in our world, we are invited to let Christ’s love transform our daily lives. This transformation starts, Pope Francis emphasizes, by allowing His compassion to “renew the way we see ourselves, our neighbors, and our communities.” When Christ’s compassion shapes our actions and words, it infuses every part of our lives with His kindness. The Holy Father reminds us that Christ’s love “is not an abstract feeling but a call to active mercy,” encouraging us to love others genuinely and serve selflessly.

Rooted in the Sacred Heart

Pope Francis writes that true love “calls us beyond ourselves, into communion with one another.” By embracing the Sacred Heart in our daily lives, we’re encouraged to help our communities by building a foundation rooted in love, justice, and empathy. The Sacred Heart becomes a source of renewal for our communities, inspiring others. In this way, we help create a world that reflects the compassion and mercy found in the heart of Jesus. The pope points to the visions of St Margaret Mary Alacoque; she writes that Jesus “asked me for my heart, which I begged him to take, which he did, and put it into his own adorable heart.” St Therese of Lisieux and many Jesuit saints shared this devotion, which he highlights in the fourth chapter. 

Opening Our Hearts to His Heart

Through devotion to the Sacred Heart, we open ourselves up to a deeper connection with Jesus, allowing Him to shape our interior lives. Consider a simple daily practice: take a moment each day to pray to the Sacred Heart such as the Daily Offering prayer. Allowing his love to transform how we see ourselves and others, fostering humility and genuine compassion – guiding us to live with kindness, patience, and a heart that reflects Christ’s own heart.