Thirteenth Day
St. Bernard says of the blood of Christ: “that it is like a trumpet that calls for mercy; it is a voice that speaks more strongly than Abel’s, not for vengeance but for forgiveness. This blood binds the hands of God’s justice.” We may then hope that the voice of this adorable blood will be raised in our behalf, as it was used to promise the penitent thief eternal happiness. It was with sincere love that Jesus Christ cried to the heavenly Father for us. He came to this world that His blood might always call to God for mercy. His blood was spilled over the surface of the earth, that all mankind might drink of its benefits. Satiated by the precious blood we will really hate sin, we will triumph over our evil passions, we will substitute virtues in their stead. Jesus is the fountain of all graces; it is He that takes such a great interest in us that whatever we do in His name will add to our glory, so that though we may have been poor and despised creatures, by the blood of Christ we have been ennobled and made heirs of the kingdom of God.
Prayer.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the precious blood, etc., etc.