Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Patrick,
Every month the Church prescribes a devotion for us to use in our daily life. This month’s devotion is in honor of the Precious Blood of Christ. While many may resist them, or question their worth, devotions can serve as helpful meditations while we address the demands and challenges of life. The following is just a portion of the Litany of the Precious Blood. Consider using it daily from now until the end of July.
Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, save us.
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, save us.
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, save us.
Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, save us.
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, save us.
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns,
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us.
Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, save us.
Blood of Christ, Without Which there is no forgiveness, save us.
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, save us.
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, save us.
Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us.
Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs, save us.
Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors, save us.
Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins, save us.
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, save us.
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, save us.
Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, save us.
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, save us.
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, save us.
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, save us.
Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, save us.
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, save us.
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, save us.
What line(s) strike you? Why? What present circumstances in your life connect(s) you with these images?
For more on this and other litanies go to: www.catholictradition.org/Litanies/litanies.htm.
Yours in His Precious Blood,
Fr. Gurnick
EUCHARISTIC REFLECTION
THE EUCHARIST SENSITIZES US TO THOSE WHO SUFFER.
As we meditate on the Eucharist, we experience Christ’s love for us—and for others. In the depth of prayer, we become so moved and sensitized to his love for those who suffer that the words of St. Augustine become a reality for us: “The pain of one, even the smallest member, is the pain of all”
(Sermo Denis). When we receive the Eucharist but “turn a blind eye to the poor and suffering, or consent to various forms of division, contempt and inequality, the Eucharist is received unworthily” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia [The Joy of Love], no. 186.)