July 9 - CONSANGUINATION OF CHRIST

July 9 - CONSANGUINATION OF CHRIST
The apostle St. Peter warns Christians not to neglect their dignity, because, after redemption, as a result of the sanctifying grace and communion of the Body and Blood of the Lord, man has become a participant of the same divine nature. By the immense goodness of God, the mystery of our incorporation into Christ has occurred in us and we have truly become his blood relatives. In simpler words we can say that the Blood of Christ flows in our veins. Therefore St. Paul calls Jesus the "First of our brothers" and St. Catherine of Siena exclaims: "For your love, God became man and man is made God". Have we ever thought that we are truly brothers of Jesus? How pitying is the man who runs in search of honorary titles, of documents proving his descent from noble families, who disburses money to buy earthly dignity and then forgets that Jesus, with his Blood, made us "holy people and regal! ». Do not forget, however, that consanguinity with Christ is not a title reserved only for you, but is common to all men. Do you see that beggar, that handicapped man, that poor man driven out of society, that unfortunate being who almost looks like a monster? In their veins, as in yours, the Blood of Jesus flows! Together we form that mystical Body, of which Jesus Christ is the Head and we are the members. This is the true and only democracy, this is the perfect equality between men.

EXAMPLE: An episode of the First World War, which occurred on the battlefield between two dying soldiers, one German and the other French, is touching. The Frenchman with a supreme effort managed to pull a crucifix out of his jacket. He was drenched in blood. He brought it to his lips and, in a feeble voice, the recitation of the Ave Maria began. At those words the German soldier, who lay almost lifeless beside him and who had not shown any sign of life until then, shook himself and slowly, as the last forces allowed him, he held out his hand and, together with that of the French, he laid on the crucifix; then with a whisper he answered the prayer: Saint Mary Mother of God ... Looking at each other the two heroes died. They were two good souls, victims of the hatred that sows the war. Brothers were recognized in the Crucifix. Only the love of Jesus unites us at the foot of that cross, on which He bleeds for us.

PURPOSE: Do not be cowardly in your eyes, if God esteems you enough to pour the Precious Blood of his Divine Son for you every day (St. Augustine).

GIACULATORIA: Please, Lord, help your children, whom you have redeemed with your Precious Blood.