Precious Blood of Jesus, Save us!

Andreas Pavias (1440-1504/1512) - Public Domain

​Most Precious Blood of Jesus, save us! Throughout the month of July, we often end our prayers with this short invocation to Our Lord. 

​July is devoted to the Precious Blood because of the feast of the Precious Blood of Jesus established Bl. Pius IX in the 1800’s and celebrated in some places on July 1st. A Votive Mass of the Precious Blood can also be chosen throughout the year on ferial days. Compared to other devotions to Jesus Christ, such as the Sacred Heart, Divine Mercy, and the Stations of the Cross, devotion to the Precious Blood is less familiar and when taken out of context, might even seem a bit strange. Blood separated from the body is a source of concern, caution, and even fear. Yet, at the same time, blood signals life and good health as one considers the power of blood transfusions and the good of donating blood. 

​By his Blood shed upon the cross, Jesus won our salvation. His Blood truly is precious as a single drop of the Blood of the infinite God-Man would have been enough to redeem the world. However, He chose to show His reckless love for us by spending every last drop to save us. “[Realize] that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb” (1 Peter 1:18-19). The Blood of Jesus cleanses us from sin, but it also nourishes us. Daily we have the opportunity to eat His Flesh and drink His Blood in the Holy Eucharist. This Blood is the daily sustenance of our life. Jesus truly saves us by His Blood. 

Sacred Heart from the Wellcome Collection. 

“But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).  

Comunione degli apostoli by Fra Angelico