The concept of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, although not explicitly found in Scripture under this name, is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The heart of Jesus is a powerful metaphor used to describe his infinite love, compassion and sacrifice for humanity. In many passages of the Bible, we find elements that illuminate and support devotion to the Sacred Heart. Here is an exploration of the biblical foundations of this devotion.

1. The heart as a symbol in the Bible

In the Bible, the heart is often mentioned to refer to the depth of feelings, thoughts and intentions. It represents the centre of the person, the place of love, mercy and divine will.

Proverbs 4:23: "Guard your heart more than anything else, for from it flow the springs of life."

This statement highlights the spiritual importance of the heart as a source of life and grace, a characteristic attributed to the Heart of Jesus.

Psalm 33:11: "The purpose of the Lord endures forever, the thoughts of his heart from age to age."

The thoughts of God's heart, as revealed in Jesus, show his plan of love and salvation for humanity.

2. Divine love manifested in the heart of Jesus

The Sacred Heart of Jesus is a powerful image of God's infinite love for humanity. This love can be seen in several biblical passages that describe Jesus' attitude towards sinners, the sick and the marginalised.

Matthew 11:29: "Take my yoke upon you and receive my instructions, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "

Jesus reveals here his gentle and humble heart, an invitation to come to him for comfort and peace.

John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

This statement foreshadows Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, where his heart was pierced by a spear, a symbol of his total self-giving.

3. The pierced heart: a sign of love and redemption

One of the most significant events in the Bible in connection with the Sacred Heart is the scene where Jesus is pierced on the cross.

John 19:34: "But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately there came out blood and water."

This image of Jesus' open heart is interpreted by the Church as a revelation of divine love, a heart broken for the salvation of humanity. The blood and water gushing from it symbolise the sacraments of the Eucharist and Baptism, the means by which divine grace reaches the faithful.

Zechariah 12:10: "Then they will look to me, the one they pierced. They will weep over him as one weeps over an only son."

This prophetic passage from the Old Testament also points to Jesus and the mystery of his pierced heart.

4. The mercy and compassion of Jesus' heart

Throughout his ministry, Jesus showed deep compassion for those who were suffering. His acts of healing and words of comfort testify to the love that dwells in his heart.

Matthew 9:36: "When he saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd."

This passage reflects the merciful heart of Jesus, who leans into the sufferings of humanity.

Luke 15:20 (Parable of the Prodigal Son): "While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and threw himself around his neck and embraced him."

Although this parable speaks of the heavenly Father, it also reveals the attitude of Jesus, who embodies divine mercy and opens his heart to all who return to him.

5. The heart of Jesus, source of life and rest

Jesus presents himself as the source of life and living water in the Gospels. These passages highlight his role as the one who nourishes and restores weary souls.

John 7:38: "He who believes in me, rivers of living water will flow from his heart, as the Scripture says."

This image of living water gushing from the heart of Jesus is a powerful metaphor for the grace that flows from him.

Psalm 23:2-3: "He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul."

This psalm, though it predates Jesus, finds its fulfilment in his ministry, where he offers rest and restoration to those who seek him.

6. An invitation to trust in the heart of Jesus

The Bible constantly calls the faithful to come to God with their burdens, an invitation fully realised in the Sacred Heart.

Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

This invitation from Jesus reflects the essence of devotion to the Sacred Heart: to find refuge and deep peace in him.

Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is near to those whose hearts are broken, and saves those whose spirits are downcast."

Jesus, through his Sacred Heart, fulfils this promise, offering his love to all who suffer.

Conclusion: a biblical reading of the Sacred Heart

Although devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was popularised by the revelations of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, its foundations rest firmly on Scripture. The Bible reveals Jesus as a God of love, compassion and mercy, whose heart is an inexhaustible source of grace. His pierced heart on the cross becomes the ultimate sign of this divine love, an invitation to draw near to him with faith and trust.

So, to pray to the Sacred Heart is to respond to the biblical call to live in the light of this infinite love, drawing from his heart the strength and peace needed to get through life's challenges.