Today, the feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we are reminded of what Jesus said to St. Margaret Mary Alocoque: "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."

Many of you who are reading this reflection today attend daily Mass, including attending the past nine consecutive First Fridays. But how about doing so for those whom you dearly love? As you look for ways to pray fervently for your loved ones, most especially those who have left the Church, consider, as an intercessor, going one step further with this Sacred Heart promise, and attend Mass for them, at nine consecutive First Friday Masses, confident in the infinite mercy of Jesus and living this commitment to truly love one another (1 Jn 4:11). You stood up for your loved one as a parent, godparent, or witness at their baptism when they didn't know what they were doing back then. You can, as an intercessor, attend Mass in their place, when they have lost their way spiritually and don't know what they are doing now.

Remember, the Sacred Heart of Jesus is interceding for your loved one with you, praying: "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23:34).

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 23, 2007

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