“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

My dear friends in Christ,

“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) We hear these words at every Mass as the Host and Chalice are raised for all to see. That verse is so familiar that it doesn’t shock us, but it should. That was a radical thing for John to say about a young Galilean carpenter to a bunch of Jewish people who for centuries had offered their sacrificial lambs at the temple! The title “Lamb of God” is used here to describe Jesus only. Scholars have debated over which lamb John was referring to. “The Lamb of God means that Jesus is the supreme Lamb and the only Lamb that God has provided to take away our sins. There is no other.” Behold Him, and believe that He can bring reconciliation and healing to all people.

We return to Ordinary Time which reflects the rhythm of life — with its celebrations and its seasons of quiet growth and maturing. It is celebrated in two segments: from the Monday following The Baptism of Our Lord up to Ash Wednesday; and from Pentecost Monday to the First Sunday of Advent. This makes it the longest season of the Liturgical Year. Vestments are usually green, the color of hope and growth.

Special thanks to our Arts and Environment Ministry for maintaining the Altar and flowers through the Christmas season. If anyone would like to join this important ministry in our Church, please see me or Deacon Mike after Mass or call the Rectory.

May God bless you all,

Father John