Crucifixion, Francesco Vanni, c.1580
“This blood, when worthily received, drives away demons and puts them at a distance from us, and even summons to us angels and the Lord of angels. This blood, poured out in abundance, has washed the whole world clean. This is the price of the world; by it Christ purchased the Church.”
St. John Chrysostom
Listen to the hymn here:
Lyrics
Glory be to Jesus,
Who, in bitter pains,
Poured for me the lifeblood
From His sacred veins!
Grace and life eternal
In that blood I find;
Blest be His compassion,
Infinitely kind.
Blest through endless ages
Be the precious stream
Which from endless torments
Doth the world redeem.
Abel’s blood for vengeance
Pleaded to the skies;
But the blood of Jesus
For our pardon cries.
Oft as it is sprinkled
On our guilty hearts,
Satan in confusion
Terror struck departs.
Oft as earth exulting
Wafts its praise on high,
Angel hosts, rejoicing,
Make their glad reply.
Lift we then our voices,
Swell the mighty flood;
Louder still and louder
Praise the precious blood!
This hymn was written by Friedrich Filitz (1804-1876) and translated by Edward Caswall (1814-1878).