Cogitationes Cordis Eius

Behold the Heart that so loved men…

For First Friday and First Saturday I should like to keep it short and sweet. I will simply share a piece of music, and some quotations to aid in mediation. That is all. For the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, the focus of First Friday devotions, I offer the introit for the Mass of Sacred Heart: Cogitationes cordis eius.

Cogitationes Cordis eius in generatione et generationem: ut eruat a morte animas eorum et alat eos in fame. Exsultate iusti in Domino Rectos decet collaudatio.

The thoughts of his heart stand from generation to generation: that he might deliver their souls from death, and nourish them in times of famine. Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous; praising befits those who are upright.

The assurance of this introit resonates in the words of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, especially for all of us lay people, to throw ourselves into His Heart:

As to persons living in the world, they shall find in this devotion all the aids necessary in their state of life: peace in their homes, consolation in their work, the blessing of heaven upon all their enterprises, comfort in their sorrows, a secure refuge during life and especially at the hours of death. It is plainly evident that there is no one in the world who will not receive all kinds of heavenly blessings if they have a true love of Jesus Christ manifested by a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

Sancta Caecilia, ora pro nobis!