REFLECTION : THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD

 

The month of July is dedicated by Pope Francis to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.  

 

Jesus made it certain that his sacrifice of giving up earthly life and shedding blood on the cross was done for the atonement of humans’ sins, and whoever believes will not perish but will have an eternal life.

 

The scene during the Last Supper was a communion with Christ with all the blessings of his blood on the cross and his glorious resurrection. This is the strong foundation of the Holy Eucharist celebrated by the Catholic church.

 

In Matthew 26: ²⁶ While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples saying: “Take and eat; for this is my body.” ²⁷ Then he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ²⁸ “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

 

During the communion rite of the  Holy Mass, we sing the mystery of our faith; ”When we eat this Bread and we drink this Cup, we proclaim your death Oh Lord, until you come again.”

 

As Catholics, this  devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus may be  another chance for us to meditate and ask ourselves: Am I truly worthy of Jesus’ sacrifice of shedding his blood on the cross to show His unconditional love and save me from sin?

 

Thinking about Jesus’ unending love, memories during the younger days came rushing to be able to compare then and now. At seven years old the time for me had come to answer God’s call and receive my first communion. The thought of receiving the bread of life and the blood of eternal life, was not that clear to me.

 

Even then, I had to follow instructions to have a taste of the Holy Communion:

First, to confess  all sins I committed. Then ask for forgiveness and listen to the priest’s sermon. Finally, wait for the priest’s command to do penance.

 

Forgiven after doing penance, I was given the opportunity to receive the Holy Communion, but with more requirements: 1.Go to mass in the morning without breaking the fast to maintain a pure heart and cleansed soul. 2. Before receiving the bread of life and the blood of the covenant, pray, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you under my roof, but only say the word and my soul will be healed. Amen. 3. Walk through the aisle and kneel on the row facing the altar. 4. When the priest put the host into your opened mouth, say, Amen. 5. With the body and blood of Christ into your body, walk back to pew, kneel and give thanks for the bread of life and precious blood entering into your own body to be with you through eternity. 

 

I often ask myself: What are the difference between Then and Now? What more should I do to gain eternal life? Do I deserve God’s love?