Upon hearing those words, Andrew, one of John's disciples decided to
spend some time with Jesus to find out what would make a credible person like
John the Baptist say such a thing.
We hear the same words, at every Mass during the Liturgy of the
Eucharist when the priest elevates the Sacred Host. The question for us is, Do
we drop our ordinary ways and, like Andrew, follow Him and never again be the
same?
Let me back up a couple of steps, if I may. Just before the celebrant elevates the Host
we have either recited or sung the “Agnus Dei” prayer. In the Fresno Diocese where I attend most of
my daily masses, we kneel right after this and so are in a reverent posture to “behold
the Lamb of God!” then to reply to the priest’s invitation to the “supper of the
Lamb” with the words of the centurion; “Lord, I am not worthy that you should
enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
But in my home diocese of Stockton, the bishop has asked us to stand
for the Ecce Angnus Dei prayer and continue standing throughout the Communion Rite
until the last communicant has received our Lord, at which time we can either
sit or kneel in reflection until the closing prayer. I have always felt uncomfortable standing in
the presence of Jesus Christ. There is
something in my “spiritual make-up” that tells me this is a time to be
kneeling. But I do stand out of obedience to his Eminence. After all, he is a successor to the Apostles--perhaps even Andrew himself!
So back to my original question:
"How does hearing the words “Behold the Lamb of God” affect
us?"
Perhaps we are all called to be like Andrew, in regards to his
introducing of Peter to Jesus, and bring people closer to God through our
simple actions, such as obedience to the Bishop out of love for Jesus no matter
how uncomfortable it may seem. Perhaps
one simple act of kindness or love today will move someone closer to God
tomorrow. Just like Andrew, we may never
know the true value of our deeds, but we must always remain cognizant of the
potential importance of our actions in the lives of others, while constantly
trying to remember that God is present even in the smallest of endeavors.
Please Lord, let it be so.
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