Sacrificing Blood

The Gospel reading today focused on giving away all that you have even if it doesn't make sense. The woman who was poor gave away all that she had for her livelihood and it was seen as pleasing in God's eyes. The second reading pertained to Jesus' sacrifice for us all and giving up his body and blood to save us from sin. "Not that he might offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters each year into the sanctuary with blood that is not his won; if that were so, he would have had to suffer repeatedly from the foundation of the world. But now once for all he has appeared at the end of the ages to take away sin by his sacrifice" (Letter to the Hebrews).

Jesus giving away his body and blood for our well-being and new life symbolizes the role of a woman when she is pregnant. The woman is creating space and is essentially giving away her body for her baby, her nutrients, her blood, and ultimately sacrificing for the new life in her. I have seen this with my sisters and sister-in-law who are all experiencing pregnancy at the same time. Just yesterday, my dear sister gave birth to her precious son. She had a complicated procedure after unforeseen circumstances, and throughout this process she was just like Jesus suffering on the cross and submitting His Father's will before His own, giving away His body and blood for a new creation of life and enduring pain and openness at the same time.

Blood is an essential life source. Giving it away is a sacrifice as well as a severe threat to health and life. I was planning on giving blood yesterday and although I was nervous and ready to challenge myself through the slight discomfort, I wanted to help someone or a few who needed blood to carry them through whatever their situation was. It turned out that everything was okay for me to give except there was pain and discomfort from the needle in my right arm that lead to a bruise and a weak arm for a few hours. Although I didn't give my blood and it didn't turn out the way I planned, I give myself credit for trying and an effort to helping those in need. I think God looks at our efforts rather than our successes.

In Arabic, there are some interesting phrases pertaining to blood. Far dammi literally means my blood boils and has to do with feeling so angry. Khafeef dam means light blood or blood flowing and has to do with having a sense of humor. T'eel dam means heavy blood and has to do with not being very funny.

In sum, I see a woman who is pregnant beautiful, powerful, self-sacrificing, lovely, strong and courageous. Every time I pray in my backyard while facing Our Lady of Grace Mary statue, there are so many words to describe her. She is pregnant and has Jesus inside her. She is radiant and has strength because Jesus is with her. Her hands are faced open showing grace to the world on which she is standing. The globe isn't void of evil though, Satan in the from of a serpent roams the earth but Mary has a strong hold on her right foot smashing the serpent's head.

I am excited to meet my soon to be born neices/nephews. I am very proud of my beautiful sister, God is close to her and her baby, and Mary will comfort her.