(For those of us in the Latin Rite, today is the External Solemnity of the Sacred Heart as well as the feast of St. Anthony of Padua.)
It's been rather warm and muggy here the past few days, and I picked yesterday to be the day to finally unpack the last of the boxes and move furniture around... ugh. It was HOT in our third floor apartment, and exerting that energy made it worse. But the office is now officially in order, and that new bookcase I had been talking about is now built and in place! It's nice to see empty shelf space, actually... it's like silent permission to recommence my book collecting activities.
I did break up all the busy-ness in the middle of the afternoon by settling down to watch the World Cup match between England and USA. Is it bad of me to say that I was cheering for England? I hope not, because, boy, did I cheer! And yell... and groan... and stomp my feet...
It was probably good that Husband was away, because he would have thought that I was seriously losing my mind over a soccer match. I mean, I wasn't really, but I couldn't help myself. Perhaps it's needless to say, but I'm more than a little miffed about the draw... USA shouldn't have gotten that goal... stupid bouncing soccer ball...
Anyway, Husband is back home now, having happily completed the Auriesville pilgrimage. He's got a few blisters, but he's not any worse for the wear, and I'm sure he's gained a multitude of graces, whereas I'm... just annoyed about a soccer game.
But, being that it's a high feast day (and we had a glorious Solemn High Mass today for it), I think it's only right to share a lovely prayer that's said on this day (or any day really, but it's fitting).
Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
-Pope Pius XI-
Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us, humbly prostrate in Thy presence.
We are Thine and Thine we wish to be; but to be more surely united with Thee, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to Thy Most Sacred Heart.
Many, indeed, have never known Thee; many, too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee.
Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart.
Be Thou King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee, grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof,
and call them back to the harbour of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd.
Be Thou King of all those who even now sit in the shadow of idolatry or Islam, and refuse not Thou to bring them into the light of Thy kingdom. Look, finally, with eyes of pity upon the children of that race, which was for so long a time Thy chosen people; and let Thy Blood, which was once invoked upon them in vengeance, now descend upon them also in a cleansing flood of redemption and eternal life.
Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church, assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart that wrought our salvation: to it be glory and honour forever.
Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment