SH Novena 7th Day : Jesus moves towards His cross

Scripture:  As they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming from the country, and they laid the cross on him, and made him carry it behind Jesus. (Luke 23:26-26).

Reflection:
Later in the passion account, Jesus was clearly seen and heard to forgive, from the very cross, moments before his death by execution. His physical agony would have been intense. Yet he could, at that moment, still speak of mercy. We can ask for an interior knowledge of what He was going through. We can ponder, also, the ways in which His heart will continue to go through agonies today. Reflect, then, on where He is crucified in our times, in the innocent, the poor and weak for whom He came into our history.

Desire: That I may feel sorrow with Christ sorrowful, anguish with Christ in anguish, and that the reality of the mercy of God might reveal itself to me in the Passion of Jesus.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, open our hearts to you.

(spend some quiet time in prayer with Jesus … speak to Jesus… hear Jesus… feel His Presence with you)

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Closing Prayer for each day

Lord Jesus, your Sacred Heart is always open in love to each of us, especially when we are suffering. To all who come to you seeking your help, you show your compassion and healing power.

You care for us when we are lost, sympathise with us in loneliness and comfort us in mourning; you are closest to us when we are weakest. You reach out your hand to us when we stumble and have most need of your help. I ask you to listen to my prayer during this Novena, and grant what I ask… (make your request silently)

If what I ask is not for my own or other’s good, grant me always what is best, that I may build your kingdom of love in our world.  Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Amen.

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