Hey there,
I have fond memories of my father driving me to school every morning listening to Paul Harvey on the radio tell us “The Rest of the Story.” Here’s a brief story from Mr. Harvey. It’s called Jesus and The Bird Cage.
Once upon a time, Jesus and the Devil had engaged in a negotiation.
Satan had boasted how he’d baited a trap in Eden’s garden and caught himself a world full of people.
“What are you going to do with all those people in your cage” Jesus wanted to know.
The Devil said, “I’m going to play with em’, tease em.’ Make them marry and divorce and fight and kill one another. I’m going to teach them to throw bombs on one another. I’m going to have fun with them!”
Jesus said, “You can’t have fun with them forever. When you get tired of playing, what are you going to do with them?”
Satan said, “Damn them! They’re no good anyway! Damn them! Kill them!”
Jesus said, “How much do you want for them?”
Satan said, “You can’t be serious! If I sell them to you, they’ll just spit on you. They’ll hate you. They’ll hit you and beat you. They’ll hammer nails into you! They’re no good.”
Jesus said, “How much?”
Satan said, “All of your tears and all of your blood. That’s the price.”
Jesus took the cage, and paid the price, and opened the door.
Every year, the month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
It’s a devotion that doesn’t get that much attention. Maybe because it no longer has a Feast day in the Liturgical Calendar. Historically it was on July 1st.
I struggled a little bit finding articles on the subject. There just isn’t that much talk online about the Precious Blood. At least in comparison to other topics I’ve covered.
And that’s a real shame considering it’s the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made … for the forgiveness of our sins and the redemption of our souls!
But I do have some good articles for this week’s issue of Genuflect on the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ: the meaning behind it, the history of the Feast day and the month, the Saint who popularized the devotion, how to deepen your devotion, and prayers and spiritual offerings to the Precious Blood of Jesus.
So we can all honor Jesus’ sacrifice for our eternal life.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Feast of the Precious Blood
If you’re wondering when the Feast of the Precious Blood is, you’re not alone. Fact is, it’s no longer included in our Liturgical Calendar. Here’s a little background on how the Feast day has evolved over time, what happened to it, and more importantly, what it means.
Feast of The Precious Blood | The Catholic Spiritual Life
Why July?
It all began when Pope Pius IX turned to the Precious Blood of Jesus to end the First Italian War for Independence in 1849 and created the first universal feast for the Precious Blood. It’s gone through some changes since then and now has the month of July dedicated to it.
Here’s Why July is Dedicated to The Precious Blood of Jesus Christ | Aleteia
July’s Devotion
What’s better than a day of honor? A whole month of course! Here’s an overview of the devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ which we honor throughout the month of July.
Month of The Precious Blood | Catholic Culture
A Saint’s Devotion
Devotions in the Catholic Church don’t just magically appear. It takes a personal devotion that captures the interest of others over time. Here’s the inspiring story of the Saint who popularized the devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus, even founding an order in its name.
This Saint’s Devotion to The Precious Blood of Christ Will Set Your Heart on Fire! | Epic Pew
Deepen Your Devotion
If you’d like to deepen your devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ this month, or become acquainted with it for the first time, Erin Rebar offers 7 ways to do just that.
7 Ways to Deepen Your Devotion to The Precious Blood This July | Epic Pew
Precious Blood Debate
There’s been much debate over the years about what exactly the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ is and whether it’s acceptable to only receive one without the other. Father William Saunders is here to explain the history of Communion, clear up the confusion, and provide the answers.
Why Is the Precious Blood Not Distributed at Every Mass? | Catholic Education Resource Center
Precious Blood Handling
You’ve probably heard the various rules around the care of Consecrated Hosts. But what about the Precious Blood? Can it be reserved? Can it be poured out? Jimmy Akin has the answers.
Can You Pour Out The Precious Blood? | Catholic Answers
Fighting Temptation With The Precious Blood
Kendra Von Esh was addicted to marijuana. Here’s how the Precious Blood of Jesus helped her overcome the addiction … and her non-practicing Catholic husband declared it a miracle.
An Addiction Healed Through Consecration to Jesus Through Mary, Then Temptation | Catholic Stand
Spiritual Offering
In prayer we are the recipient. But when we make a spiritual offering to the Lord, He receives from us. Here are two powerful offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus that we can pray … two more weapons to disarm the evil spirits.
On The Precious Blood of Jesus, The Price of Our Salvation | One Peter Five
Finding Peace
If you ever struggle to find peace and are anxious, try this prayer to the Most Precious Blood of Christ. It came from a Friar who said it is to be prayed on each bead of a Rosary until you find peace.
A Friar’s Prayer to The Most Precious Blood of Jesus | Catholic 365
Chaplet of The Precious Blood
Nothing brings us closer than a shared suffering. This beautiful Chaplet of the Precious Blood reflects on Christ’s passion and can be prayed on a Rosary.
How to Pray The Chaplet of The Precious Blood | Aleteia
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The Novena to The Precious Blood of Jesus
July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus. So it’s the perfect time to pray this Novena. You’ll find the instructions here to pray the Novena to the Precious Blood of Jesus.
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