Forever we shall have Real Blood that gives us Eternal Life:

Forever we shall have Real Blood that gives us Eternal Life: 

There always is a need for blood in our blood banks especially when a disaster hits a community and the shortage can become devastating as hospitals are calling for more than the banks can provide.  Blood is the life-giving biological fluid that without it we would quickly die.  Its method of reaching every part of the human body relies on the heart to pump it carrying oxygen and nutrients that the body needs to function and survive, and the vessels that carry this life-giving fluid to every waiting organ and tissue.  

When the soldier thrusted his lance into the heart of Jesus after he died was himself immersed somewhat by the blood and water that poured out of his side.  St. John surmises that the water represents our Baptism, and the Blood reflects the Holy Eucharist.  This is more than a biological occurrence, it is life-giving for each believer in the Crucifixion of Jesus, the Son of God. 

At times when someone is spiritually empty through an evil encounter, ministers and even lay-people might tell the hurting person to call upon the Blood of Christ for healing; spiritually more than physical since in his Blood we are saved.  As in the human body our blood is the only element that keeps us alive; so in the soul which is our life-giving reality his Blood will nourish every portion of our faith and find the grace that comes from the very life-giving body of Christ that is our spiritual life now and in eternity. 

The Eucharist commits us to the poor.  To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest, his brethren:  (CCC 1397).

You have tasted the Blood of the Lord, yet you do not recognize your brother,...You dishonor this table when you do not judge worthy of sharing your food with someone judged worthy to take part in this meal…God freed you from all your sins and invited you here, but you have not become more merciful.  (St, John Chrysotom).

The following  paragraph is taken from “Sacra Pagina” by Francis J. Moloney, S.D.B.  One of several reference commentaries on the books of the New Testament.  This book has over 500 pages of in-depth explanations just on the Gospel of John. 

God has been revealed in the pierced one, and the spilled blood of Baptism and Eucharist as the worshipping community experiences the presence of the absent one.   There came out blood and water: The sacramental reading adopted in the interpretation is regularly challenged, and it is regarded as the addition of an antidoectic element to the Gospel.  The context further suggests that the members of the new family of Jesus receive this life from the pierced one upon whom they gaze.  This “life” includes Eucharist and Baptism. 

Looking at the Blood of Jesus, at the Crucifixion and in our everyday encounters with evil in this world is the element of healing and it is essential to see this grace through our faith.

Ralph B. Hathaway