Scripture Focus: Psalm 72:14
He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight.
Reflection: The Blood That Speaks
By Erin Newton
For the life of a creature is in the blood. (Lev 17:11). Precious is the blood; precious is their life.
The blood of Abel cried out from the ground just beyond the gates of Eden—when brother murdered brother and jealousy marred Cain’s soul.
The blood of the lamb whispered to the angel as it passed by, “This one is mine. Turn aside”—when the messenger of death delivered the final sign.
The blood sprinkled on the altar proclaimed peace and restoration over the crowds—as they waited in the courtyards for the priest to enter the Holy of Holies.
The blood spilled from war and murder, violence and abuse, screams out for retribution—as the king on high listens to his people.
This psalm is a plea for the king to be endowed with wisdom and righteousness. It is a cry to God for the king to be peace and blessing and truth to his people. This is the final prayer of the great king David. It is a prayer of such grand proportions. Only God himself could fulfill it. Only God himself could embody it.
This is the prayer for our Messiah. He is like rain on fresh green grass. He is like the warmth of sunshine after a long winter. He is the light that brings all humankind unto him. He is the king that other kings long to revere.
He holds the pure scales of justice. He helps those who are helpless. He hears those who cry out. He knows every life is precious even as the blood of those who love him calls out in silent pleas.
It is a cry that only God can hear. It is a plea for help straight to the ears of our Lord. It is the groaning that a hopeless soul utters with the smallest breath.
And he hears every drop. Our suffering is seen, our prayers are heard, and our hope is anchored.
Even though the preciousness of his life is more than all the natural wonders and tangible wealth of our world, Christ poured out his own life—his own blood—for us.
What did the blood of Jesus speak from the ground as it poured from his hands, his head, and his side? You are loved. You are precious. You are worth it. You are forgiven.
Precious is each drop of blood that leads us to eternity.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting
Let them know that this is your hand, that you, O Lord, have done it. — Psalm 109.26
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Today’s Readings
Song of Songs 3 (Listen 1:148)
Psalm 72 (Listen 2:21)
Read more about Life In The Blood
Blood is the life of victims of every kind of violence whether in distant wars or neighborhood streets, whether in mass shootings or lone suicides.
Read more about There is a Fountain Filled with Blood — Lenten Hymns
The season of Lent reminds us that when we are at our lowest of lows, Jesus extends his hand to rescue us.
