Today, the Mass illustrates the mutual search between His Divine Heart and our heart. The Introit voices the sinner’s sense of being “alone” due to his inner struggles, usually beyond all human aid. The Prayer, a synopsis of Christian life, recognizes the right use of “the good things of this life” and asks God in His Mercy to “guide” us against their abuse. This life, therefore, becomes a warfare against the anti-Christ (Epistle), but “humbled” by afflictions, nevertheless be “strong in faith” since ultimate victory is “in Christ Jesus.”
Who of us could ever doubt the Love of the Sacred Heart after reading the Gospel? Who of us would refrain from doing “penance” to make His “find” complete? Who of us on earth would not add to His joy in Heaven (Communion) by leading some soul back to the Sacred Heart?
Prior to 1960 the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus was commemorated in the Mass for the edification of those unable to go to Mass on the Feast day. The new rubrics of 1960 provided that the External Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart may be celebrated today as on the Feast by right.
The Act of Reparation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, with tabernacle open, should be made by priest and people at the end of Holy Mass.
On Sunday, the feast of SS John and Paul Mm. falls, mentioned in the Canon of the Mass, at whose names the priest makes a slight bow toward the Crucifix, buried on the Coelian Hill in Rome, who fell for the Faith about 400. Pray to the Saints today for strength of the martyrs. Under the new rubrics of the Mass the Saints are not commemorated.