The Precious Blood

The death of Abel told us that he must die,

a brother at a brother's hands.

The Paschal Lamb showed us that he must die,

His blood to be our redemption.

The sacrifices of the Law showed he must die,

the one Victim of the Law to come.

Isaias the prophet told us the must die,

with his bruises we would be healed.

The fate of the prophets showed us he must die,

the crowning witness of all.

He Himself told us that His blood would be shed

for the remission of sins

That His blood would be drink unto life everlasting

And the blood was poured out lavishly

In the Garden flowing to the ground

From His face when He was struck

From His back when He was scourged

From His head when He was crowned

From His shoulder when He carried the cross

From His hands and feet when He was nailed

From His heart when it was pierced

Until there was no more

One said: I am innocent of His blood

Others: His blood be upon us

One: I have sinned in betraying innocent blood

Lord, I will say all these

For indeed I have sinned

But let thy blood be upon me

That at length I may be innocent

"Drown yourselves in the blood of Jesus Christ"

Cried St. Catherine of Siena

by Archbishop Alban Goodier, SJ

Glory be to to Jesus, Who in bitter pains,

Pour'd for me the life-blood, From His sacred veins!