Dear Parish Family,

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
Every time we celebrate Mass, we say, “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.” This prayer comes from today’s gospel reading, when John the Baptist points out Jesus to his followers and calls him “the Lamb of God.” Where did this image come from? What does it tell us about Jesus and his impact on our lives?

John was probably thinking of the Passover, the great saving event, when God rescued the Jewish people from Egypt and slavery.  On the night of their deliverance, the Israelites smeared the blood of a lamb on their doorposts and were spared by the angel of death, who killed the first-born of the Egyptians. The blood of the lamb had saved them from destruction. John saw in Jesus the one who had come to save his people and take away their sins. And we know, even better than John did, how true his vision was. For Jesus went to the cross and shed his blood so that our sins are forgiven. His victory over sin and death is celebrated in the Book of Revelation.  Jesus is represented there also as a lamb who was slain, but who is now enthroned and glorified, praised and worshipped by all the heavenly hosts. From the throne of God and from the lamb flows life and blessings of every kind. The Lamb of God is not just a perfect gift to God, but the way to eternal life for all of us.

On the first Passover in Egypt, the Israelites made a sacred meal of the lamb they had slain, and then set out on their journey to the Promised Land. Similarly, each time at Mass, in our own sacred meal, right after we pray to Jesus the Lamb of God, we will eat his body and drink his blood in Holy Communion. For the Lamb of God not only saves us from sin and death, he feeds us with himself and gives us the Grace and the strength to carry on. He’s food for our life’s journey – a journey from the slavery of sin to the freedom of the sons and daughters of God.

Life is a journey, ask yourself: Where am I headed? How does Jesus help me find my way?

Deacon Rob Pang