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First Friday and the Heart of Jesus
First Friday is a day set aside for devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Friday, because that’s the day Jesus revealed his love for humanity on the arms of the cross. First Friday, because that’s what Jesus requested when he appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a Visitation nun and mystic, in the 17th century.
In a private revelation to St. Margaret Mary, Jesus made twelve solemn promises to those who honour his Sacred Heart. All of them are beautiful expressions of his love for sinful humanity, but it’s the twelfth and final promise that brings so many of us out to Mass on First Friday.
PROMISE NUMBER TWELVE
In the excess of the mercy of my Heart, I promise you that my all powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the First Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour.
With trust in Christ’s solemn promise, we make time for Mass on the nine consecutive First Fridays. And then, conscious of our need for God’s mercy, we lay claim to the graces and blessings promised by Jesus. Many of us, after completing the stipulated novena of First Friday Masses, continue to attend Mass every First Friday for the rest of our lives.
Jesus promised the gift of final repentance to all who honour his Sacred Heart, but we should never presume on God’s mercy. That’s why Sacramental Confession should be an important part of our preparations for First Friday. And of course, Confession before Communion is an absolute necessity for anyone conscious of serious (mortal) sin.
The Pandemic may keep us from Mass, but there are other things we can do. For example, watch Mass on television and make an Act of Spiritual Communion. Make a serious Examination of Conscience followed by an Act of Contrition. Recite the Litany of the Sacred Heart or the Consecration Prayer to the Heart of . And then, put words into action by performing works of penance (ie. Fast and abstain from meat).
Msgr. Paul Zimmer
Pastor, St Clement Catholic Church, Etobicoke
