(Listen to this homily here).
One of the first times we see a reference to a lamb in the
Bible comes in the testing of Abraham.
We remember the story well, how Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son
Isaac to demonstrate his fidelity to God.
Yet before he succeeds God calls out, “Abraham! Abraham! Do not lay your hand on the boy.” God then promises to provide them with
a lamb for sacrifice. Abraham and Isaac look into the bushes
and see a ram (not a lamb!).
The
lamb shows up again in the book of Exodus. The Israelites were to sacrifice an unblemished lamb, spread
its blood on their doorposts and eat it as a sacrifice. This would cause the angel of death to
pass over them and spare them from death.
When
Jesus enters the scene in the Gospels, John the Baptist heralds, “Behold the
lamb of God!” This is exactly what
the priest says at Mass to proclaim the coming of Christ in the Eucharist.
Our
first reading today, featuring dreams of heavenly worship, also cites a lamb: “Then I saw standing in the midst of
the throne and the four living creatures and
the elders a Lamb that seemed to have been
slain.” The book
of Revelation, especially in passages like these, directly connect the Mass we
pray today with the reality in heaven for all eternity. It is all about the sacrifice and the
wedding feast of the Lamb!
Thus
we pray today, “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on
us. Lamb of God, you take away the
sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.”
Hello Father, thank you for all you do for the Roman Catholic Church.
ReplyDeleteAre you interested in speaking about your ministry on a Catholic podcast?
The Source and Summit Podcast is an open podium for Catholics to share their love for the Church.
Through the technology on our website you can record an item for the show.
It is free, easy and fun to do! Plus it is a great way to connect to a new Catholic audience...
The episode with your segment will be available in the popular iTunes Store.
You are welcome at sourceandsummit.cc for more information and to listen to some examples.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Peace be with you, Marvin Max.
Marvin Max,
DeleteYou are very welcome. Please pray that I serve my parishes and Church well!
I would be interested in speaking about my podcast and am enjoying such easy access to such great resources!
Would you mind sending me an email? bhadrich@frontier.com
Thanks for all you do as well!
God Bless,
Fr. Ben
Hi- I would like to request prayers for the victims of rape and abuse by members of the Catholic Church. Many of them were children when they were attacked or abused. This is also an ongoing crisis, with new victims each year, worldwide. I will remember them and their stories forever, but for the healing to truly take place, it will take the voices and efforts of many. To paraphrase a poem by an Indian schoolgirl, "Too many Catholics, in too many countries, speak the same language-- of silence." Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteOf course I will offer prayers for your request. It grieves me deeply to know that priests have abused those in their care in such egregious and wicked ways.
If you or a loved one have experienced such abuse, please contact the police. I pray also that all victims of clergy abuse (and any other abuse like this) will have the courage to speak with both civil and diocesan authorities so such behavior never occurs again. Abusers must be prosecuted and the victims receive justice.
Know, too, of the many available resources both in and outside of the Church to help victims heal from such tragic crimes.
Please pray for me and all priests too! This journey would not be possible without the prayers of so many. Please pray that we may all serve well, remain faithful to our vows and lead many souls to Jesus Christ.
If you would like to talk in person, please send me an email: bhadrich@frontier.com
God Bless,
Fr. Ben