How do we "Behold the Lamb of God?"

The LORD bless you and keep you!  The LORD let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you!  The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!

John the Baptist said of Jesus, "Behold the Lamb of God." (John 1:35-42)

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 Catholics 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 “Ecce Agnus Dei” (“Lamb of God”) prayer.  In many—if not most dioceses, the congregation 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 (Matthew 8:8); “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and (my soul) my servant shall be healed.”

But in my home diocese of Stockton, the bishop has asked us to stand for the Agnus 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 have forced myself to 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 his brother 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.