JULY
Most Precious Blood of Jesus
Every July, the Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, the price of our salvation. This devotion is a profound meditation on the love of Christ, who shed His blood to redeem us. Discover how this life-giving stream is made present in every Mass and learn prayers to honor this great gift of mercy.
The Price of Our Redemption
The Life-Giving Stream
Our devotion for this month is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. This observance flows naturally from June's focus on the Sacred Heart. It is from Christ's pierced heart on the cross that "blood and water flowed" (John 19:34)—an image of the Sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist, and the birth of the Church.
This devotion is a profound meditation on the price of our salvation. It is not a morbid focus on suffering, but a grateful acknowledgment of the infinite love of God, who was willing to shed His own blood to ransom us from sin and death.
The Blood of the New Covenant
Blood is a central theme throughout all of Salvation History. In the Old Covenant, the blood of lambs was sprinkled on the altar and the people to seal the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 24:8). This was a prefigurement of the ultimate sacrifice.
At the Last Supper, Jesus established the New and Eternal Covenant, not with the blood of animals, but with His own: "This chalice is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you." (Luke 22:20).
We honor the Precious Blood because:
It Redeems Us
As St. Peter writes, we were ransomed "not with perishable things... but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish".
1 Peter 1:18-19
It Cleanses Us
It is the "blood of Jesus... [that] cleanses us from all sin"
1 John 1:7
It Is Our Drink
In the Eucharist, we truly partake of this Precious Blood, which Jesus called the "true drink" that gives eternal life.
John 6:55
How to Honor the Precious Blood This Month
This devotion is a call to draw closer to the mystery of the Mass and the Cross.
Reverence at Mass
During the Consecration, when the priest elevates the chalice, make a conscious act of faith. This is the same Blood of Christ, poured out for you.
Pray the Litany
The Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus is a powerful and beautiful prayer that recalls all the moments Christ shed His blood for us, from the Agony in the Garden to the piercing of His side.
Meditation
Spend time meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary or the Five Wounds of Christ.
Visit Adoration
To be in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament is to be in the presence of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus.
Prayers of Devotion
A Prayer of Offering
O Father, we offer You the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins, and in supplication for the holy souls in Purgatory and for the needs of holy Church. Amen.
An Invocation
Blessed and praised be the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, now and forever. Amen
A Closing Thought
This January, let us carry the name of Jesus not just on our lips, but in our hearts. May His name be our comfort in sorrow, our strength in temptation, and our song of joy throughout the coming year.
A Closing Thought
This January, let us carry the name of Jesus not just on our lips, but in our hearts. May His name be our comfort in sorrow, our strength in temptation, and our song of joy throughout the coming year.