The Precious Blood
Reflection – “A Turtle”
Many years ago, I was a reluctant snorkeler. As I floated in the warm tropical sea with my husband, he mumbled through his snorkel, “Look!” Fear surged through me as Jaws nightmares flooded my mind. Was it a shark? A barracuda? A massive stinging jellyfish? “Look, turn around,” he urged again.
Reluctantly, I turned my head—and to my surprise, there was a beautiful, friendly turtle so close I could have reached out and touched it. Thanks be to the saints! I was awestruck. That breathtaking moment would never have happened if I had kept my gaze fixed on the safety of the shore.
On Easter morning, Mary Magdalene discovered that Jesus’ body was missing. She must have been filled with despair. Perhaps she felt helpless: “Where is my Lord’s body?” Or guilty: “I should have stayed by the tomb last night.” The traumatic events of Good Friday had exhausted her, and now the disappearance of Jesus’ body crushed her last remaining hope.
As she wept in front of the empty tomb, she didn’t realize that Jesus was standing behind her, waiting. He first called out to her, “Woman!” She turned around but did not recognize him through her tears and pain.Then he called her again, this time by name: “Mary!” Like a wake-up call, she turned to him and exclaimed, “Rabbouni!”
After comforting her, Jesus commissioned her to announce his resurrection to the disciples. Can you imagine if Mary hadn’t turned around? What if she had kept her focus on the empty tomb and missed the risen Christ standing right there with her?
Like Mary, sometimes simply turning around isn’t enough; we need to actively turn toward Jesus to truly recognize and listen to him. After all, he tells us, “I have called you by name.” That is a deeply personal connection between each of us and Christ.
God’s presence is often hidden in our lives. In the midst of our daily struggles, misunderstandings, and routines, He is there. Are we willing to let go of the past to fully embrace the present? Do we have the courage to step away from what feels familiar and safe?
Let’s make time to overcome our daily busyness and sadness so we can turn around and discover the beauty that surrounds us — whether it’s a lovely sea turtle or, even more importantly, recognizing Christ in the people we meet every day.
Peace,
Melissa McCoy
Melissa McCoy
Maryville Chaplain
St. Ignatius of Loyola
Priest, mystic, founder of Jesuits; patron of the Society of Jesus, soldiers and educators.
July 31 is the day to remember St. Ignatius of Loyola, who lived from 1491 to 1556. While serving as a soldier, Ignatius suffered a severe injury when a cannonball shattered his legs. During his long and painful recovery, he had little to do but read. Unable to find his preferred stories of chivalry and romance, he picked up what was available: a book about the life of Christ and the saints. This choice transformed his life forever.
St. Ignatius went on to lay the groundwork for the Society of Jesus and developed a set of spiritual exercises that are still utilized by both religious individuals and laypeople today. His transformation did not happen overnight; like most profound changes, it was a lengthy spiritual journey that ultimately led him to the priesthood and the founding of the Society of Jesus.
Throughout this journey, Ignatius began to record his reflections on topics such as gratitude, God’s unconditional love, Jesus’ suffering and death, and the joy of living a Christian life. His reflections eventually became the foundation for a 30-day retreat.
The lives of the saints inspired Ignatius to seek goodness with all of his heart.
Summary from The Companion Book of Catholic Days, by Karen Edmisten.
The Precious Blood of Jesus
As we embrace the warm days of summer, let’s take a moment to reflect on July, a month dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus — a devotion with roots in the early Church. In 96 CE, Pope St. Clement I expressed, “Let us fix our gaze on the Blood of Christ and realize how truly precious it is, seeing that it is poured out for our salvation and brings the grace of conversion to the whole world.”
During these long summer days that can sometimes blend together, let’s cherish the remarkable gift we receive each week at Mass: The Body and Blood of Christ. While it may sometimes feel routine, we have the opportunity to deepen our appreciation for this incredible sacrifice. Let’s commit to never taking this gift for granted. Your Blood nourishes, sustains, and strengthens us. Thank you, Lord, for the precious gift of Your Blood.
