HIDING JESUS IN OUR HEARTS

 Divine Appeal Reflection  - 111

Today, consider in Divine Appeal 111: "In the Sacrament of My Love My desire is for you to hide Me in your heart."

To "hide Jesus in our hearts" signifies more than a mere acknowledgment of His presence; it is an invitation to internalize His divine essence and teachings profoundly. This process involves a spiritual union where individuals foster a personal relationship with Jesus, akin to a deep friendship or familial bond. Prayer, meditation, and contemplation are ways that the human existence cultivates an unceasing consciousness of God's presence; this gives us the impression that God is with us at all times. Our perspective of life and the way we engage with our surroundings are transformed when we have such knowledge, which also affects our words, thoughts, and behaviors.

The internalization of Jesus' teachings shapes our inner and outer lives. It starts with our thoughts, where Christ's messages inspire us to reflect deeply and align our mindset with His teachings of love, compassion, and humility. This influence extends to our speech, encouraging us to communicate with kindness, honesty, and grace, mirroring the love Christ showed to all. Our actions, too, become expressions of this inner transformation, as we strive to embody virtues such as charity, patience, and forgiveness in our daily interactions and decisions.

However, this process is not passive; it requires an active, conscious effort to cultivate a Christ-like way of life. Souls are called to practice virtues that reflect Jesus' teachings, often requiring self-discipline and a willingness to grow. This includes resisting negative influences that can lead one away from a Christ-centered life, such as selfishness or materialism. It also involves a continual search for God's will, embracing prayerful reflection and openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Through this ongoing journey of spiritual growth and transformation, souls aim to embody Christ's love and grace, becoming living testimonies of His presence in the world.

May our Adorable Jesus, who longs to dwell within our hearts, grant us the grace to truly hide Him within our innermost being, allowing His love to transform every part of our lives. Let us endeavor to preserve a close relationship with Jesus, motivated by the example of Sr. Anna Ali, who gave herself fully to His presence in the Eucharist. The deep dedication of Sr. Anna Ali serves as a reminder to us that we can become instruments of Christ's peace and mercy in the world by means of prayer, sacramental life, and a sincere heart. May we constantly strive to be in His presence, demonstrating His unending grace and love.