DAY EIGHT :

Let us pray to the Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, our model whose example we must always follow:

Lord God, clothe us in the holiness of the Heart of your Son and enflame us with his love. Transform our hearts into the image of his likeness so that all may recognise us as his disciples. We ask this through Jesus Christ your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

READING :

At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” - Matthew 11:25-30

MEDITATION :

Christ was therefore sent by the Father to communicate the Spirit to us, so that mankind would abide in the love of the Father and the Son, so that we might know how to abide in the love of the Blessed Trinity :

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love.” - John 15:  9-10

He is the One upon whom the love of the Father rests, the One who took the place of sinners and who abides in his love. Christ is the One who communicates to mankind the Spirit of God.

The fundamental experience of Christ in which Christians are called to participate over the course of their lives is therefore that of the “eudokia” of the Father, the heart that welcomes the Cross.  

United with the Son by the Spirit that is given to them, Christians are able to let themselves be loved by the Father, in the very same love with which Christ is enveloped by the Father for all eternity, so that they may correspond with the Son, in the conforming of their lives to his life.”

- Père Marie-Joseph le Guillou

Lord Jesus, our Shepherd, in the goodness of your Heart, guide us and all your people on the path that leads to the Father. If we are left to our own devices, we are inconstant and wavering. Increase our love for You so that it becomes a source of strength for us, that we may generously follow your ways. You who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen

LITANY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS :

Lord, have mercy on us. 

Christ, have mercy on us. 

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. 

Christ, graciously hear us. 

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. 

(Repeat have mercy on us. after each line)

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, 

God the Holy Spirit, 

Holy Trinity, one God, 

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, 

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in 

the Virgin Mother's womb, 

Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the

Word of God, 

Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty, 

Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God, 

Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High, 

Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven, 

Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity, 

Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love, 

Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, 

Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, 

Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, 

Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts, 

Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures 

of wisdom and knowledge, 

Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead, 

Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased, 

Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received, 

Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, 

Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy, 

Heart of Jesus, rich to all who call upon You, 

Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness, 

Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our offenses, 

Heart of Jesus, overwhelmed with reproaches, 

Heart of Jesus, bruised for our iniquities, 

Heart of Jesus, obedient even unto death, 

Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, 

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, 

Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, 

Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, 

Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins, 

Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in You, 

Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You, 

Heart of Jesus, delight of all saints, 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, 

Spare us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, 

Graciously hear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, 

Have mercy on us. 

Jesus, meek and humble of Heart, 

Make our hearts like unto Thine. 

Let us pray.

Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thy most beloved Son and upon the praises and satisfaction which He offers Thee in the name of sinners; and to those who implore Thy mercy, in Thy great goodness, grant forgiveness in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who livest and reignest with Thee forever and ever. Amen.