The Wounded Heart of Jesus: A Place to Rest & Heal
A readaloud through 'Dilexit Nos' by Pope Francis, with friends of SmartCatholics
What if the love of God wasn’t distant or abstract — but a real, living place you could rest in?
In this shared readaloud of Pope Francis’ Dilexit Nos, (focused on devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus), members of Smart Catholics explore how the pierced heart of Christ reveals a radical love that heals wounds, restores dignity, and transforms daily life.
The conversation journeys from ancient saints like St. Bernard of Clairvaux to modern mystics like St. Gertrude, uncovering how this devotion grew through history — not as superstition, but as an invitation to personal relationship and inner healing. The group wrestles with the vulnerability of God — how Christ’s wounded heart is not weakness but the gateway to grace.
Powerful reflections surface around suffering, Mary’s compassion, friendship with Christ, and how men and women experience this devotion differently. The Sacred Heart emerges not just as a symbol, but a spiritual home — where wounded people can find refuge, love, and the courage to heal a broken world.
For anyone longing for peace, deeper faith, or a reminder that they are personally known and loved — this conversation is an invitation to encounter Christ not as a distant king, but as a friend who bares His heart for you.
Mindsets to Reframe Your Outlook
1. Love Begins with Vulnerability
God models love not as domination, but as self-giving vulnerability.
Christ’s wounded heart is not weakness — it’s divine strength.
"He broke Himself open so we could live within His love."
2. You Are Personally Known and Loved
The Sacred Heart devotion teaches: You are not a random soul in a crowd.
"Our names are written on His heart."
"Christ doesn’t just love humanity — He loves you."
3. Healing the World Starts with Healing Ourselves
The world’s violence comes from unhealed wounds.
The Sacred Heart is a spiritual refuge for the wounded.
"Our world is one gaping wound — heal it with love."
Habits to Embody the Sacred Heart Devotion
1. Daily Rest in Christ's Heart
Practice quiet prayer imagining yourself resting in His heart or His wounds.
Let go of anxiety and striving.
"Lord, in Your wounds hide me."
2. Love Through Action
Let devotion to Christ’s Heart shape your behavior.
Treat people not as problems but as beloved souls.
Respond to suffering with mercy, not judgment.
3. Return to Simplicity & Trust
Like St. Francis de Sales taught: abandon yourself daily to God’s care.
Trust that grace flows from His heart into your ordinary life.
"Not just in prayer — but in all actions."
Stories to Share
St. Gertrude & The Heartbeat of Christ
While praying, St. Gertrude rested her head on Jesus' chest and heard His heart beating. She asked St. John why he never wrote about this. He told her — those heartbeats were saved for our time, for a world grown cold, to awaken us to His love.
St. Margaret Mary & Christ’s Cry for Love
When Christ appeared to St. Margaret Mary, He didn’t thank the world for their devotion — He grieved. "Why do so few love me?" His heart burns — not with pride — but with longing for our love.
Moses, The Rock & Christ’s Open Side
Moses struck a rock to give water in the desert — but disobeyed God by striking it twice. Later, Christ became the true Rock — pierced once on the cross. From His side flowed life — water and blood — an eternal spring for all who thirst.