A 20th Sunday after Pentecost Thought About the Kingship of Jesus Christ

The traditional liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church celebrates the Kingship of Jesus Christ - Christ the King - this year on this 20th Sunday after Pentecost. Last year we posted something brought to our attention by Father Z regarding this traditional observation. It seems a tradition developed of consecrating the human race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on this day

This year, we note especially that it was Pope Leo XIII who composed the prayer used for this consecration - especially because, of course, we now have Pope Leo the XIV. A connection? Well, in the sense that nothing happens by chance, but happens according to God's Will, yes, a connection. That that might be, frankly, it's above our pay grade, for the most part. That's how it goes with so much that happens in this world that we don't really understand, even as our Faith tells us God's Hand is behind it.

With this in mind, we share now our thoughts from last year's traditional celebration of the Feast of the Kingship of Jesus Christ. 

 

The feast was established in the early 20th century and moved to the last Sunday in "Ordinary Time" in the newfangled calendar. But if you're attending the traditional ancient liturgy of our Holy Church, today's the day.

In recognition, we share this prayer given by Pope Leo XIII consecrating the human race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was created before the feast day was instituted years later, but apparently a tradition grew of praying it on the Kingship of Jesus Christ.

Thanks to Father John Zuhlsdorf (Father Z) for posting this with a brief explanation. 

Father invites us to get down on our knees to pray this special prayer. You'll see why.

The Act of Consecration of the Human Race
to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before Thy altar. 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 harbor 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 are still involved in the darkness of idolatry or of Islamism, and refuse not to draw them all into the light and kingdom of God. Turn Thine eyes of mercy toward the children of that race, once thy chosen people. Of old they called down upon themselves the Blood of the Saviour; may It now descend upon them a laver of redemption and of 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 honor forever. Amen.

It comes from the mind and heart of a Pope leading a Church that knew what it was about, what the world was about, and what the dangers that we face were about. 

Let's share a prayer, imploring God's mercy, that we recover, as a Church, the knowledge and the spirit that allowed Pope Leo to compose this powerful prayer. And let's, in our charity, pray for those who have rejected or simply do not know our Lord Jesus Christ as do we. While there have been various statements made lately about how "all paths" lead to God, we must not understand this as accepting those "other paths" as the same or in any way equivalent to following the teachings given us by Our Lord, passed on through the centuries by the faithful tradition of our Holy Church. 

 

Happy Feast of the Kingship of Jesus Christ!