July is a month that speaks of sunshine, holidays, and nature and, together with the shades characteristic of summer, connects with one of the mysteries of love that envelop every believer: Jesus’ gift of himself to the very end, even to shedding his blood for us. This month, in fact, has its historical and devotional roots in the Most Precious Blood of Christ, leading us to reflect on the free and unconditional love that continues to reach us through the Lord Jesus.
An ancient and contemporary spirituality
Devotion to the Blood of Christ has ancient roots intertwined with the history of the Church and the liturgy. On July 1, in fact, the Church celebrates the feast of the Most Precious Blood, established by Pius IX in 1849 as thanksgiving for the end of hostilities in Rome and the pope’s safety. And although, at first glance, we might perceive it as an ancient devotion far removed from our sensibilities, its spirituality actually speaks of us and to each of us because it speaks of life!
A time devoted to praise and thanksgiving
July can thus become a month for giving thanks in prayer and everyday life to Jesus for having shed his precious blood for us, for me. This is a gesture that transcends all logic and has its origin solely in a love that keeps no account and longs to erase the distance between God and humanity. Jesus, the God-man, passing through death, gave us life again through the gift of his precious blood, assuring us that none of the pain passing through our hearts is foreign to him, because he experienced it before us and is with us as we face life’s obstacles.
Living the month of the Most Precious Blood
How, then, can we live this very special month? The creativity that springs from love can help us, but we also want to suggest giving new depth and meaning to what is already part of our relationship with God: the Eucharist. During the month of July, may participation in Mass be lived with greater intensity, with the renewed wonder of those who know that the Son of God left us his Body and Blood so that we would never feel alone again and so that he could nourish us by becoming part of us.
Spirituality and solidarity
Precisely to understand that Christ's gift in his precious blood has very concrete implications, this month we will reflect on the importance of blood for living. On the importance of having enough blood to help those who need it, and on the need to take responsibility for something that is not so far removed from us, since any one of us could need blood at any time.
Blood cannot be sold or bought; it can only be donated and received as a gift. Let us think about this, if we have not done so until now. Let us ask ourselves a few questions: Am I healthy? Can I donate blood? Can I participate in Jesus' gift through the gift of myself?
This dimension of devotion to the Most Precious Blood immediately brings us into the most concrete reality, giving us the opportunity to take part in a current of selflessness that makes us feel, without intermediaries, all like brothers and sisters.
Devotion to the Most Precious Blood cannot fail to spread within the dimension of fraternity. So, during this month of July, let us open ourselves to others: to the brother or sister close to us, the one who lives with us, and the one we do not know but know to be in difficulty. Let us entrust everyone to the merciful heart of Christ and, if it is within our power, let us ensure that the gift of our blood can become health and life for those awaiting it.
