Last week I went to donate blood for the 75th time and the other day my certificate and badge came. I realise I am not unique as a blood donor – thousands of people across the world do the very same thing. But as a priest blood donor it caused me to think a little. Here are some of my musings.
For reasons I don’t fully understand my blood is always reserved for the Neo Natal Wards. One of the nurses at the donor session tried to explain why this was so but it went over my head. The main thing is my blood is used to give life to others.
As a priest I say each day: ‘This is the chalice of My Blood which will be poured out for you and for many…..’ This is not a mere repetition of the words of Our Lord at the Last Supper. When the priest celebrates Mass he does so in persona Christi – in the person of Christ Himself, therefore the Blood referred to is that of the Priest who at that moment stands in persona Christi. The Blood of the Priest and the Blood of Christ are one and the same in the celebration of Mass.
It is nice to know that the blood I have donated over the years has gone to help a good number of babies. The blood of a priest who has no children of his own is still able to bring life to others.
The Blood of Christ was shed on the Cross for the life of the world. The priest in his daily celebration of the Mass also pours out his life blood for those that he is called to serve.
