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 had an octave and was commemorated in the Mass for the edification of those unable to go to Mass on the feast day. Today at the election of the priest Masses of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, with commemoration of the Sunday, are permitted in each church or chapel in accordance with the 1962 rubrics of the Roman Missal. In most churches today the Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated as a Solemnity