Life-giving blood, life-saving blood

Happy Advent, discerningSainthood readers! We are now entering into the new liturgical year in the Church, and preparing ourselves for the great celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As the holidays approach, the virtue of generosity within us all seems to blossom. I believe this outpouring of generosity is an answer to the call to a charitable life we receive year-round. It seems to come full circle as we contemplate the love with which God graced us when he sent His Son to Earth as our Redeemer. As we further contemplate the love of Christ, we are also reminded of the sacrifice he made for us, and the great blessing we have of being able to enter into that loving sacrifice when we partake in the Eucharist. Christ freely gives his blood to us as spiritual nourishment.

All over the country there is always a great shortage of blood in blood banks during the holiday season. At a time when so many of God's children are in need of such life-saving supplies, we as Christians are compelled by the call to charity to give of ourselves in any capacity we can. For those of you who are able to donate blood, please do so at a local blood bank. As Christ freely gives his life-giving blood to us, we must freely give our life-saving blood to those who desperately need it. For those of you who are unable to donate, please help to set up a blood drive in your school, workplace, or other community organization.

For more information or to find a place to donate near you, visit www.givelife.org.