Virgo Potens

Lord, the Chalice which intoxicates me is delicious. O divine Jesus, may your precious blood be the beverage of pure souls. Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus ~ July 30th ✧✿✿✧❁❁✧✿✿✧ 30th Day ~ The Precious Blood in Holy Communion 1. If in other sacraments the Precious Blood is morally applied to the souls of those who receive them, in holy Communion it is physically communicated to body as well as soul. We have the wonderful privilege of being brought into bodily contact with the Precious Blood, whether it be under the species of wine in the chalice, or of bread in the Sacred Host. How pure our bodies should be if they are thus to touch the Source of all purity, the Holy of holies, the God Whose infinite purity is such that the very angels are not pure in His sight! How can we venture thus to touch Christ Himself? To receive the Precious Blood into our sinful and impure bodies? (continued)

2 of 2 The Precious Blood in the Sacrament of Penance 2. Yet the Precious Blood restores the sinner to his allegiance, and frees him from the power of Satan, when he comes really anxious to be delivered. As soon as it touches the soul of the sinner, it washes it clean and pure as if he had never sinned, and restores him to peace and friendship with God. Who has not witnessed its transforming power, and seen the sinner before hardened, depressed, almost in despair, now become full of peace and consolation and joy under its divine influence? 3. We cannot wonder at OurLord's cry of agony in Gethsemani, or at His sweat of blood, when we think what it was that the Precious Blood had to efface from our souls. What an accumulated horror of pride and selfishness and impurity and covetousness! Such a cleansing could only be gained at the cost of a sacrifice infinite in value. O Jesus! make me to appreciate more Thy divine love. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus ~ July 29th ✧✿✿✧❁❁✧✿✿✧ 29th Day ~ The Precious Blood in the Sacrament of Penance 1. The task of the Precious Blood in Baptism is a comparatively light one side by side with that which it performs in the sacrament of penance. In Baptism original sin is washed away; in penance, actual sin. The former cleaves to us through no fault of our own; the latter is the result of our own deliberate deed. It makes us the enemies of God in quite a different sense from that which is the result of original sin. It places us, or, rather, we place ourselves of our own free will, under the power of Satan; voluntarily we forfeit our inheritance, and proclaim ourselves rebels. The task of reconciliation is a far more difficult one, and is only possible with our own co-operation. (continued)

2 of 2 The Precious Blood in Baptism 2. It is not merely the absence of what is hateful to God that is the result of Baptism. The soul of the baptized child receives a share of all the perfections and graces won for us by the Precious Blood. It is not merely cleansed, but sanctified. It is not colorless. like water, but red with the charity of which the Precious Blood is the sign and symbol. It is filled with all the gifts of the Holy Ghost; the virtues of faith, hope, and charity are poured into it. It is beautiful exceedingly in God's sight, for it has a supernatural likeness to Him. 3. This beauty remains in the soul of all baptized persons until they commit a mortal sin. It goes on increasing with every action done for God. Nothing can take it away from us except a deliberate or grave act of disobedience to His holy law. Pray for a continually increasing sense of the incomparable beauty of baptismal innocence. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

URQUELLE ALLER GNADEN Source de Graces O mon Jésus combien est aride le cœur qui s’éloigne de vous. FOUNTAINHEAD OF All GRACES Source of Graces O my Jesus, how arid is the heart that moves away from Thee. Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus ~ July 28th ✧✿✿✧❁❁✧✿✿✧ 28th Day ~ The Precious Blood in Baptism 1. In Baptism the Precious Blood washes away from the soul of the new-born child, or of the adult who approaches the sacrament in good dispositions, the stain of original sin. This privilege extends to all, whether within the Church or outside of it, who are validly baptized with water, and the words prescribed and the intention on the part of him who administers it to do that which the Catholic Church does in the baptism of her children. Thus through the power of the Precious Blood hundreds and thousands of little children are enabled to see the face of God forever in heaven. (continued)

2 of 2 The Precious Blood in Baptism 2. It is not merely the absence of what is hateful to God that is the result of Baptism. The soul of the baptized child receives a share of all the perfections and graces won for us by the Precious Blood. It is not merely cleansed, but sanctified. It is not colorless. like water, but red with the charity of which the Precious Blood is the sign and symbol. It is filled with all the gifts of the Holy Ghost; the virtues of faith, hope, and charity are poured into it. It is beautiful exceedingly in God's sight, for it has a supernatural likeness to Him. 3. This beauty remains in the soul of all baptized persons until they commit a mortal sin. It goes on increasing with every action done for God. Nothing can take it away from us except a deliberate or grave act of disobedience to His holy law. Pray for a continually increasing sense of the incomparable beauty of baptismal innocence. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Urquelle aller Gnaden Source de Graces O mon Jésus, combien est aride le cœur qui s’éloigne de vous. Fountainhead of all Grace Source of Grace O my Jesus, how dry the heart that departs from Thee. Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus ~ July 28th ✧✿✿✧❁❁✧✿✿✧ 28th Day ~ The Precious Blood in Baptism 1. In Baptism the Precious Blood washes away from the soul of the new-born child, or of the adult who approaches the sacrament in good dispositions, the stain of original sin. This privilege extends to all, whether within the Church or outside of it, who are validly baptized with water, and the words prescribed and the intention on the part of him who administers it to do that which the Catholic Church does in the baptism of her children. Thus through the power of the Precious Blood hundreds and thousands of little children are enabled to see the face of God forever in heaven. (continued)

2 of 2 The Seventh Shedding of the Precious Blood 2. The water and the blood that issued from Our Lord's side were the symbols of the two chief sacraments: the water of holy Baptism, and the blood of the Blessed Eucharist. Thus it was that Christ is said, by this piercing of His side, to have laid the foundations of the Church; and as Eve, the spouse of Adam, was formed from the side of Adam, so the Church, the sacred Spouse of Christ, was formed from His side when the spear of the centurion pierced it. Pray for an intense love of holy Church, on account of the love that Christ bears to His own true spouse. 3. The centurion little knew the meaning and import of his act when he pierced the side of Jesus. He had some affection of the eyes, and the blood sprinkled upon him cured his sight in a moment. At the same time grace touched his heart, and he was converted. Oh, wondrous power of the sacred blood of Christ! ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

COR JESUM LANCEA PERFORATUM Heart of Jesus Pierced with a lance Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus ~ July 27th ✧✿✿✧❁❁✧✿✿✧ 27th Day ~ The Seventh Shedding of the Precious Blood 1. Even when the work of redemption was consummated, and Jesus had breathed forth His soul into His Father's hands, He shed once more His Precious Blood for man. It was to mark the completeness of His sacrifice that He thus poured forth, as it were, the last drop that still lingered in His Sacred Heart. It was a sign that He kept nothing in reserve. He proved His inexhaustible love to man by this last act by which He bequeathed to man the last trace of life that still remained. Oh, undying, unwavering love of Jesus, that loved us with an extremity of love unto the very end! (continued)

2 of 2 The Seventh Shedding of the Precious Blood 2. The water and the blood that issued from Our Lord's side were the symbols of the two chief sacraments: the water of holy Baptism, and the blood of the Blessed Eucharist. Thus it was that Christ is said, by this piercing of His side, to have laid the foundations of the Church; and as Eve, the spouse of Adam, was formed from the side of Adam, so the Church, the sacred Spouse of Christ, was formed from His side when the spear of the centurion pierced it. Pray for an intense love of holy Church, on account of the love that Christ bears to His own true spouse. 3. The centurion little knew the meaning and import of his act when he pierced the side of Jesus. He had some affection of the eyes, and the blood sprinkled upon him cured his sight in a moment. At the same time grace touched his heart, and he was converted. Oh, wondrous power of the sacred blood of Christ! ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

COR JESUM LANCEA PERFORATUM Heart of Jesus Pierced with a lance Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus ~ July 27th ✧✿✿✧❁❁✧✿✿✧ 27th Day ~ The Seventh Shedding of the Precious Blood 1. Even when the work of redemption was consummated, and Jesus had breathed forth His soul into His Father's hands, He shed once more His Precious Blood for man. It was to mark the completeness of His sacrifice that He thus poured forth, as it were, the last drop that still lingered in His Sacred Heart. It was a sign that He kept nothing in reserve. He proved His inexhaustible love to man by this last act by which He bequeathed to man the last trace of life that still remained. Oh, undying, unwavering love of Jesus, that loved us with an extremity of love unto the very end! (continued)

2 of 2 The Sixth Shedding ofthe Precious Blood 2. What must have been the unutterable agony of those three hours during which the sacred body of Our Lord was dragging with all its weight on the wounds in His hands and feet! Who can describe it? The agony that racked each nerve so that there was no sound part in His body; the utter exhaustion, and, worst of all, the agonizing thirst that was the effect of the continual streams which drained His sacred body of the Precious Blood. Who can imagine it? "Behold and see, all who pass by the way, whether there is any sorrow like to My sorrow." 3. Yet these wounds, inflicted by man's malignity, are now employed by Jesus as arguments pleading for mercy for sinners at His Father's hands. Oh, Jesus, when shall I forgive, as Thou didst forgive me? When shall I learn that it is a privilegeand a glory to return good for evil, and so to resemble Thee? ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

2 of 2 The Sixth Shedding ofthe Precious Blood 2. What must have been the unutterable agony of those three hours during which the sacred body of Our Lord was dragging with all its weight on the wounds in His hands and feet! Who can describe it? The agony that racked each nerve so that there was no sound part in His body; the utter exhaustion, and, worst of all, the agonizing thirst that was the effect of the continual streams which drained His sacred body of the Precious Blood. Who can imagine it? "Behold and see, all who pass by the way, whether there is any sorrow like to My sorrow." 3. Yet these wounds, inflicted by man's malignity, are now employed by Jesus as arguments pleading for mercy for sinners at His Father's hands. Oh, Jesus, when shall I forgive, as Thou didst forgive me? When shall I learn that it is a privilegeand a glory to return good for evil, and so to resemble Thee? ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus ~ July 26th ✧✿✿✧❁❁✧✿✿✧ 26th Day ~ The Sixth Shedding of the Precious Blood 1. Not the hands alone, that did for man those works of love, but also the feet, that went about doing good, were pierced by the cruel nails. It seems as if men were bent on requiting the very limbs that were employed for the good of man with evil in return. They not only hated Him without a cause, but they hated Him for His love to them. Such is man when he is in Satan's power. Such have I too often been; so ungrateful to God, rebelling against the means which He employed to heal my soul and deliver me from sin. (continued)

July 26th ✧✿✿✧❁❁✧✿✿✧ 26th Day ~ The Sixth Shedding of the Precious Blood 1. Not the hands alone, that did for man those works of love, but also the feet, that went about doing good, were pierced by the cruel nails. It seems as if men were bent on requiting the very limbs that were employed for the good of man with evil in return. They not only hated Him without a cause, but they hated Him for His love to them. Such is man when he is in Satan's power. Such have I too often been; so ungrateful to God, rebelling against the means which He employed to heal my soul and deliver me from sin. (continued)

2 of 2 The Fifth Shedding of the Precious Blood 2. O Jesus! how can we bear to see Thee thus wounded! Those hands which were ever stretched forth to do good to all, to heal sorrows, and cure diseases! They never did aught but good; how then can cruel men be so ungrateful, so barbarous, so impious as to requite Thee thus? Oh, may I learn to sorrow with Thy anguish, and, like Thy most holy Mother, to join my compassion to Thy passion! 3. Yet sad and strange to say, my actions correspond but ill to the expressions of my sorrow. It is for the sins committed by my stretched-out hands that Thou art suffering; for my selfishness, unkindness, immodesty, anger, covetousness. How shall I compensate Thee for my share in this cruelty? Oh, help me to do so, and show me how I can do so! ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus ~ July 25th ✧✿✿✧❁❁✧✿✿✧ 25th Day ~ The Fifth Shedding of the Precious Blood 1. On the summit of Calvary, stretched upon the rough cross, with His arms extended along the cross-pieces which are to form the horizontal part of it, lies the Son of God, already wounded, covered with blood, exhausted by suffering and by His repeated falls upon the way. Surely the executioners will be satisfied with the ordinary method of tying His arms to the cross, and leaving Him thus to die. No; for the innocent, spotless Lamb of God new tortures are in store. Huge nails are placed in the centre of His hands, and with cruel strokes of a heavy mallet driven through His delicate, sensitive palms. The blows are struck; the Precious Blood gushes forth, and Jesus groans under the exquisite pain which thrills through every nerve. (continued)

2 of 2 The Fourth Shedding of the Precious Blood 2. This crowning of thorns was to atone for our proud thoughts, impure thoughts, uncharitable thoughts; the trickling blood covering His sacred face, for our wretched vanity and desire to beautify ourselves in the sight of men; the blinding of His eyes, for our immodest looks, careless looks, looks of curiosity and pride. O my Lord, how varied were the sufferings Thou hadst to undergo for my manifold sins! 3. Each form of suffering endured by the Son of God will have its own appropriate reward for His sacred humanity. As for each stripe a fresh ray of glory, for each insult a new song of praise from angels and saints, so the crown He will wear in heaven will be glorious in proportion to the suffering and the ignominy of the crown of thorns. All that we endure for Him will have a corresponding and appropriate reward in heaven. ~ Rev. Richard F. Clarke, S.J., The Devout Year (1893)

Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus ~ July 24th ✧✿✿✧❁❁✧✿✿✧ 24th Day ~ The Fourth Shedding of the Precious Blood 1. After the scourging the soldiers devised a fresh torture for the Son of God. They wove of the spiny branches of the thorn a sort of helmet or crown of thorns, and put it on His head, pressing it down with their spears. The long sharp thorns pierce through the flesh, and the Precious Blood trickles down over His forehead and fills His eyes, blinding Him, and causing Him fresh pain and misery. (continued)