The Introit expresses our confidence in God to overcome enemies that oppose us. The Collect is a prayer that the course of the world may be ordered by the Lord and “joyfully serve Thee to quiet devotion.”
In the Epistle we ask for “deliverance” from corruption into the “liberty” enjoyed by a child of God.
The Gradual continues the theme of asking for help from God lest the “Gentiles” ridicule our religion.
The Gospel teaches that Christ is the great Fisher of Men who relies upon the Apostles, priests and Bishops, for success. We are the fish drawn out of the water by the teaching of Christ from the sea of the world. In the Offertory we ask Jesus to “enlighten my eyes” and in the Secret entreat Him to “draw our rebellious wills” to Him. The Communion reflects the sentiment that the Lord is my “firmament...and ...refuge,” while the Postcommunion tells us that the Mass and Holy Sacrament of the Altar will “purify” our hearts and protect us.
Today, although not commemorated in the Mass is the Feast Day of St. Aloysius Gonzaga C., one of the Patrons of Catholic youth. A nobleman, the Saint gave up his right of inheritance to enter the Society of Jesus. He died on 21 June 1591, during an epidemic, while ministering to the sick.