Sunday Meditation: Let Us Worship Jesus as the Sacred Heart!

Fr. James Buckley, FSSP 1937 - 2023 Rest in peace, dear and holy priest of God!

In this month of the holy souls, I want to remember with love and gratitude Fr. James Buckley, FSSP who had such an impact on my life. I attended a 5-day silent, Ignatian retreat every summer with Fr. Buckley for almost 20 years. The last one, in 2022, showered me with incredible memories and blessings that I treasure. God obviously knew it was Father's last meeting with us. He died in 2023.

On the last day of the retreat, we always had a meditation on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. From meditating on the passion with all its pain and sorrow, we moved in those last hours to the joy of the Resurrection and the victory of the Sacred Heart over sin.

How much we need to meditate on the Sacred Heart so wounded for love of us. Anyone who has ever suffered for love, would do well to flee to the heart of Jesus for consolation.

For the past month the SSPX sponsored a thirty day novena to the Sacred Heart for God's will to be done in the election. We weren't praying for a specific outcome; we weren't asking for either candidate to be victorious. We only prayed for God's will and for our poor country. And, of course, God's will was done. No matter what the outcome of a given situation, God's will always prevails. Whether it is in victory or defeat from a worldly sense we can always be confident that whatever happens (with the exception of sin), it is God's will. That's why the martyrs could enter the collaseum praying and singing hymns of joy. "O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55)

Many people are asking, "What next?" after the election. The answer for Catholics is simple. Continue to worship God and do all we can to bring about the reign of Christ the King here on earth. He first reigns in our hearts. And when He reigns in the hearts of His faithful people, they can work wonders in the world. 

The Sacred Heart novena for the election is over. But I will continue to say the Surrender Novena every day. "O Jesus, I surrender myself to You; take care of everything." When we put our confidence totally in the hands of Jesus and His mother Mary, all will be well no matter what "happens." 

Please pray for the happy repose of Fr. Buckley. A priest friend once said to me that there is no one deader than a dead priest because they have few family members to pray for them. Let us never forget the dear priests who have been more than fathers to us. Dear Fr. Buckley whether you are in Purgatory or worshiping at the throne in heaven, please pray for me.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You.