ACC ~ Mark 14 v24

WHY BLOOD?

CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA: He blessed wine, saying: “Take, drink, this is my blood.” He used the “blood of the vine” [1] as a figure of the Word who “was shed for us for the remission of sins,” [2] a stream of gladness. CHRIST THE EDUCATOR 2.32. [3]

[1] Cf. Gen 49:11; Sir 50:15-16.

[2] Mt 26:28.

[3] FC 23:121-22; TLG 0555.002, 2.2.32.2.5-3.1. The blood of the vine is a figure for the incarnate Word who suffered for our sins.

CONSECRATION OF THE WINE

AMBROSE: Jesus himself speaks of his blood. Before the consecration it is mentioned as something else; after the consecration it is called blood. And you say “Amen,” that is, “It is true.” Let the mind within confess what the mouth speaks. Let the heart feel what the words utter. ON THE MYSTERIES 1. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0155, 9.54.113.57; FC 44:26*.