In our Catholic tradition, during the month of July we remember the Lord's presence through the Precious Blood of Jesus. Building on the powerful imagery of the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament teaches that Christ is present in both the bread and the wine. The blood proclaims the reality of Christ's Death, the ultimate generosity of His self-sacrificing, obedient love. By drinking of His cup, we share together in His destiny and we renew our Covenant bond of love with God and one another.

Heavenly Father, on the night before He died, your Son, Jesus Christ, handed over to His disciples His Body broken for them and His Blood poured out for the forgiveness of sins. Through our sharing of this bread and this cup, may we experience the salvation Christ brings us and may we draw together in unity and peace. Sharing of this cup of His Blood and inspired by His self-sacrificing love, may we have the courage to hand over our lives in the service of our brothers and sisters in need. We ask this through Christ your Son, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.