The Catholic Defender: The Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary Promise 2
2. I will give peace in their families and will unite families that are divided. This promise is a very important one for most families in our day and time. In fact, Jesus made this interesting statement regarding families:
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man ‘against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one’s enemies will be those of his household." (Matthew 10:34-36)
Most families today can identify with what Jesus told His Apostles, but that is not what He calls for. Jesus wants unity not only for the family, but for the whole Church. At the Last Supper Jesus said this, “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. And I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may be brought to perfection as one, that the world may know that you sent me, and that you loved them even as you loved me. Father, they are your gift to me. I wish that where I am they also may be with me, that they may see my glory that you gave me, because you loved me before the foundation of the world. (John 17:20-24)
St. Paul echoes the importance of unity for the people of God in the Gospel, "I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose." 1 Corinthians 1:10
We do not always understand but it is an issue of trust. Many of us who have wayward children can relate to St. Monica who dealt with a Pagan Husband and a wayward child. She prayed for 30 years for her family and her husband would finally convert to the Catholic Faith and St. Augustine would become a "Doctor" of the Church. We place our children in the hands of Jesus Sacred Heart and we can have confidence the Lord will reach them. They may spend some time in Purgatory, but the Lord's Salvation will be theirs.
It could be like an old Army song we would sing when I was with the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany, that they are tearing us down to build us over again. Through Christ's Sacred Heart He creates a new foundation for the family. The old yeast is replaced with the new yeast. The old wine skins are replaced with the new wine skins.
There really is not a contradiction here, consider an inspector condemns a house because it is rotten, the foundation is bad, they then build a new house with a sure foundation. Your not built on a foundation of sand but of Rock. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is that Rock. Jesus can deliver on his promise.
The Church has always recognized the importance of the family, 1 Timothy 5:8 states, "The real widow, who is all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But the one who is self-indulgent is dead while she lives. Command this, so that they may be irreproachable. And whoever does not provide for relatives and especially family members has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." That is strong language to be sure, even though their sin can be scarlet, kindness is the best result. We have freewill and sometimes all we can do is give them to God and pray for the return of the prodigals. I will trust in Jesus Promise and know that He loves our loved ones even more that we do. Remember that.
The following is a great opportunity to dedicate this Novena for those who have gone astray:
Novena to the Sacred Heart
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 Saint 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 granted. 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 are all-powerful with You. Amen.
Offering to The Sacred Heart of Jesus
My God, I offer You all my prayers, works, joys, and sufferings in union with the Sacred Heart of Jesus, for the intentions for which He pleads and offers Himself in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, in thanksgiving for Your favors, in reparation for my sins, and in humble supplication for my temporal and eternal welfare, for the needs of our holy Mother the Church, for the conversion of sinners, and for the relief of the poor souls in purgatory.
