(Image in Public Domain)
Can you believe that tomorrow is June already? Wow. June is traditionally devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and with tomorrow being Friday – the first Friday of the month -, it would be the perfect time to begin the First Friday Devotions.
What is the First Friday Devotion, you ask?
The First Friday Devotion was popularized by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. St. Margaret Mary was a mystic to whom the Lord appeared frequently and entrusted her with the mission of establishing devotion to His Sacred Heart.
Basically, the devotion consists of going to mass and receiving Holy Communion for nine (9) consecutive Fridays with the particular intention of honoring Jesus’ Sacred Heart and in reparation for those who do not love Him or receive Him. In His own words, he said to St. Margaret Mary:
“I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that its all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on nine first Fridays of consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they will not die under my displeasure or without receiving their sacraments, my divine Heart making itself their assured refuge at the last moment.”
Jesus actually made 12 promises to anyone who would honor Him by this devotion. This shows His amazing mercy and love: we give him a little thing, like the sacrifice of our time for Mass, and He gives back so much more!
Other Practices
Going to mass and receiving Our Lord in communion is the only requirement for the First Friday Devotion; however, that doesn’t mean you have to stop there. Some other practices to honor Our Lord’s Sacred Heart for First Friday (or any day!) include:
- Adoration
- Consecration to the Sacred Heart
- Litany of the Sacred Heart
- Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart
Our Lord’s heart bleeds for those who do not know Him or love Him or receive His precious Body and Blood. Many of us do not have the opportunity to go to daily Mass, but perhaps we can make the effort to make it one extra day a month? What do you say? Can you join with me in making reparation to Our Sweet Lord on the First Fridays of each month?*
Further Reading
*By the way, If you genuinely can’t participate in this devotion, please don’t be anxious or upset or pressured to participate. This is an invitation, not a command. 
I’m speaking to those who can genuinely make the effort and time to do this if they tried and feel called to do so. God knows our hearts and His mercy is everlasting. Our Church is rich with devotions and practices to honor Our Lord, so if you can’t do this one, perhaps you can do another.
(Linked to Catholic Blogger’s Network.)
just found your site. i belong to the promoters of the scared heart at st joseph,ogden,utah. if people just knew of what you receive with a devotion. thanks again, i look forward to new postings
Very true. God always gives back more than we give to Him. He certainly doesn’t need our prayers, but WE need to pray!