The 12 Promises of Christ’s Merciful Heart

by Amanda MacMurtrie

Have you ever entered a new space and felt peace? Like the room itself itself is offering you a warm smile? Maybe the decor is truly cozy, or bathed in the glow of the sun at just the right time of day…. But more often than not, it is the people who dwell in that space who make us feel calm and at ease. Receiving this kind of peace is the fruit of a heart entrusted to Jesus. Devotion to the sacred heart of Jesus bears this kind of fruit in our own life, in the lives of those around us, and even in our physical spaces.

There is a powerful connection between our environments and our interior lives. Our capacity for imagination – which is fed by beauty – is a gift from God to call us back to Him. In this month, we honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This devotion celebrates a love that is merciful, tender, and knowing.

Have you ever heard of good news of the Sacred Heart?

In 1673, a French nun and mystic had a vision of Jesus. She saw her head resting on his heart. He told her of His love for her, and for all sinners, using the image of His sacred heart.

The 12 Promises of the Sacred Heart

1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their homes.
3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
5. I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
6. Sinners will find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
9. I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.
10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart.
12. I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

How will enthroning an image bless your space?

“I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored”

Art has power! Each work of sacred art is an external expression of an interior devotion. When depicting the image of the sacred heart of Jesus, every artist reflects something unique that can draw us closer to true realities of His love. Some artist’s accentuate His tender gaze, or use symbol to illustrate truth, or highlight His passion with a crucified and pierced heart.

This action of enthroning such an image in one’s home does a few things, both practically and spiritually:

1. It encourages the spirit – on difficult days when faith is threatened, beautiful sacred art provides strength! Let Christ’s loving eyes call you back to prayer and trust
2. It bears witness to others – remember that feeling of walking into a home? We share the best of our faith when we place sacred art in our home for visitors to experience
3. It calls us into deeper devotion – there is always more to be found when we spend time in visio divina, or intentionally pray with sacred art, and let the Holy Spirit reveal Himself more and more
4. It cultivates responsiveness and sensitivity – Jesus offers us His love and mercy freely, asking for our devotion to be honest and authentic, wherever we are on our spiritual journey. In placing an image of His heart in our homes, we are demonstrating a sensitivity to His desires and bringing them into action in our daily life. The more we do this in our environments, the easier it will be to let Him deeper into our hearts.

These promises are not pleasantries or vague incentives – rather, they promises that reinforce and strengthen one’s devotion, as well as carve a channel of grace from His heart into ours, and out to others. The ninth promise specifically invites a devotion to the image of His sacred heart and a blessing wherever the sacred heart image is enthroned.

Enthrone Him in Your Home

There are many beautiful depictions of Christ’s sacred heart. Each one emphasizes a different truth, whether that be His passion and kingship, or His meekness and vulnerability.

In Home, the Child Jesus is between the Most Chaste Heart of Joseph and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. His gift of self is in full display, and the rays of Divine Mercy seem to extend right to you. You can learn more about this original piece in the shop!

In Kate’s original painting Yeshua, Christ sits as King of the Universe, reaching out to you. His heart is ablaze in golden light. His smile warm and inviting. Order your own print in the shop!

Amanda MacMurtrie is an Art Therapist. She supports mental health and healing through creative expression and art media. As a writer and artist, Amanda explores what art-making can teach us about relationship and presence. She has a special love for collaborative art, mixing metaphors, and St. Joseph.