Needles + Spears
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear,
and at once blood and water came out.
John 19:34
When we give blood, we are pierced.
Of course, being pierced by a very small needle in the comfort of a cushy chair (all to be followed by cookies and juice) is a far cry from literally ascending a cross, being pierced in the side by a spear, suffering, and dying. Nonetheless, giving blood is a significant way to mirror Jesus Christ’s life-giving sacrifice for us.
The next time you give blood, we invite you to prayerfully reflect on the piercing of Christ’s side—how his wounds give life—and how he has enabled us to be his body here on earth, continuing his work of love, mercy, and healing.