Today, consider in Divine Appeal 170: "To the souls consecrated to Me, I am like a passing stranger. I have nowhere to lay My Head."
How tragic it is that our Adorable Jesus, the Divine Bridegroom who pours Himself out in infinite love, should feel estranged from those consecrated to Him. This estrangement arises not from His withdrawal but from the coldness and distractions of hearts that have grown lukewarm (cf. Revelation 3:16). His lamentation, “I have nowhere to lay My Head,” reveals His deep yearning for hearts that will embrace Him with love and devotion. For those consecrated to Him, their calling is not merely a title or function but a total self-gift of heart, soul, mind, and strength—a vocation to mirror the unconditional love of Christ.
When our Adorable Jesus speaks of having “nowhere to lay My Head,” it signifies the profound sorrow of His Sacred Heart, longing for intimacy but finding only indifference. Souls consumed with worldly concerns, self-centeredness, or habitual routine without devotion fail to offer Him the welcome He deserves. His lament is a call to examine our lives, particularly for those in consecrated life, and to rediscover the beauty of love and fidelity to Him. To treat Him as a passing stranger is to rob ourselves of the joy and peace that come from a heart fully united to His.
Jesus desires to dwell within the human heart, making it His sanctuary of love. As He gently knocks on the doors of souls (cf. Revelation 3:20), He seeks refuge in hearts that are pure, humble, and zealous for His glory. Yet, even among the consecrated, how often is our Adorable Jesus treated as an outsider? Pride, attachments, and worldly distractions frequently diminish the intimacy that should define a life dedicated to Him. Each soul must strive to let go of these barriers and welcome Him fully, offering their hearts as a resting place for His love.
The example of the Blessed Virgin Mary serves as a powerful model for all who seek to offer Jesus a home. Her humility, purity, and unwavering "yes" to God made her heart a perfect dwelling place for our Adorable Jesus. By imitating Mary’s virtues, consecrated souls and the faithful alike can respond to His plea and ensure He is no longer treated as a stranger. Let us open our hearts to Him with fervor and devotion, making them places where He can rest and reign in love.
Prayer
Our Adorable Jesus, we seek forgiveness for treating You as a stranger. Make our hearts a true resting place for Your love and grace. Help us to welcome You with sincerity and humility, offering all that we are to You. Guide us to always walk in Your light.
Sr. Anna Ali of the Most Holy Eucharist, intercede for us.
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