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Day 23

A reading from the First Letter of St. Peter

If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God. (1 Peter 1:17-21)

RESPONSORY

The price of your redemption was not something of fleeting value like gold or silver, but the costly shedding of the blood of Christ

-- the lamb without blemish.

The blood of Jesus Christ washes away all our sins

– the lamb without blemish.

From the “Commentary on the Gospel of John” by St. John Chrysostom (+407)

The blood which we receive as food does not immediately nourish us, but only after it has passed through some other stage. But it is far different with this Blood, for It at once refreshes the soul and fills it with a great power. When worthily received, this Blood repels demons. It puts them to flight and even summons to us angels and the Lord of angels. Where they see the Blood of the Lord, demons flee, while angels foregather. This Blood, poured out in abundance, has washed the whole world clean. Blessed Paul has uttered many truths about it in the Epistle to the Hebrews. This Blood has purified the sanctuary and the Holy of Holies. Now if its type had so much power, both in the Temple of the Hebrews and in the midst of the Egyptians when sprinkled on the doorposts, the reality is much more powerful. In its types this Blood sanctified the golden altar. Without it, the high Priest did not dare to enter the sanctuary. This Blood has ordained priests! In its types it has washed away sins! And if it had such great power in its types, if death shuddered ... at the figure, how terrifying would the reality itself be, pray tell? This Blood is the salvation of our souls. Through it the soul is cleansed; through it, beautified; through it, inflamed. It makes our intellect grow brighter than fire. It renders our soul more radiant than gold. This Blood has been poured forth and has opened the way to heaven. This Blood was formerly foreshadowed continually on altars, in sacrifices of the Law. This is the price of the world. Through it Christ purchased the Church. Through it He adored her entirely. Just as a man purchases slaves with gold and, if he so desires, adorns them with gold, so also Christ has both purchased us with His Blood and adorned us with His Blood. Those who share in this Blood have taken their stand with angels, and archangels, and the powers from on high, clad in the royal livery of Christ with spiritual weapons in their hands. But all I have mentioned is very little, for they are adorned with the King Himself.

Musical Selection

Primogénito Patris de sinu procedénti qui descéndens ab altis nos próprio sánguine solvit a morte, *digna laudum vota solvámus benedicéntes illi. V. Qui carnis nostrae trábea indútus homo factus servum redémit. *Digna laudum vota.

To the first-born Son going forth from the bosom of the Father, who, descending from on high, released us from death with His own blood. *Let us deliver worthy offerings of praise, blessing Him. V. He who was made man, garbed in the robe of our flesh, redeemed His servant. *Let us deliver

Collect

Omnipotent God,

your glory is incomprehensible,

your majesty infinite,

and your power incomparable.

Found us on the certainty of your promises,

that no matter what happens,

we may be firm in faith

and live uprightly in your church,

bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen. (Book of Common Worship)

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