Deacon Matthew Keller, C.PP.S., will be ordained to the priesthood on June 9. In preparation for his ordination, he asks that we join him in praying the Novena of the Precious Blood written by the late Fr. Ernest Ranly, C.PP.S.
Day three: Jesus Sheds Blood in the Agony in the Garden
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Prayer
O God, our heavenly Father, out of love for the human family, you willed your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, to be our Redeemer through the shedding of his blood.
Blessing and thanksgiving be evermore to Jesus.
Who with his blood has saved us.
We give you thanks for the gift of our Lord’s blood, which he shed until the last drop for our salvation. May the blood of Jesus, shed for us, purify us and protect us from all evil.
In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, we drink the blood of the new and eternal covenant. May it give us peace and may it unite us with all the human family, especially with the poor and the marginalized.
May the Precious Blood of Jesus become for us the blood of life, of unity and of peace. May this mystery of love and grace fill our hearts with the Holy Spirit. United with the Blood of Christ, may we participate with Christ in the work of redeeming our world of today.
Praise to the blood of Jesus.
Now and forever. Amen.
Presentation
“Then going out he went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. When he arrived at the place he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not undergo the test.’ After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.’ And to strengthen him an angel from heaven appeared to him. He was in such agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground.” (Luke 22:39-44)
Reflection
Jesus is emotional and anguished before his death on the cross. With a few apostles he goes to the Garden of Olives to pray. “Take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.”
Only in the gospel of St. Luke, does Jesus shed blood in the agony in the garden. Here Jesus appears as an athlete before a competition. He feels the need to gather his energy. In this context, the angel is like a trainer who accompanies Jesus in his preparation before his struggle. His agony is so intense that his sweat changes to drops of blood. His sweat is no sign of anxiety and fear, but the result of physical and mental force.
Meditation
“In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.” (Hebrews 5:7)
Resolutions
- To put the difficult decisions of life in the hands of God.
- To ask God to make good decisions.
- To do always the will of God.
Final prayer
Eternal father, we offer you the Blood of Jesus shed in the Garden of Olives. Jesus Christ, your son, during the days of his mortal life, presented prayers and supplications with great shouts and tears, which could save him from death. He was heard because, as your suffering Son, he humbly obeyed. Give us, oh Father, through the blood of Jesus shed in the Garden of Olives, the strength and perseverance to fulfill your will. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Our Father…..
Glory to the Father…..
V: Praise and thanksgiving be evermore to Jesus.
R: Who with his blood has saved us.
V: Glory to the Blood of Jesus!
R: Now and forever. Amen.