The Lamb of God
In the first Passover, God’s chosen people were instructed to
the Lamb of God.
After the Sign of Peace and before we receive Communion, we
pray:
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.
This image of the Lamb of God was first announced by John the
Baptist. In John 1:29 he says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who
takes away the sins of the world.” And in John 1:36, he repeats,
“Behold, the Lamb of God.”
In 1 Corinthians 5:7, St. Paul says, “For our paschal lamb, Christ,
has been sacrificed.” And again and again in the Book of Revelation,
connection is brought to its perfect fulfillment. As we prepare to
eat the Flesh of the Lamb of God, as partakers in the “wedding
feast of the Lamb,” (from Revelation 19:9) we implore Him for
mercy and peace.
For further study:
Revelation 5 • Revelation 19:9 • 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
John 1:29, 36 • Exodus 12:1-14
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eat the flesh of a lamb that had been sacrificed. At every Mass,
Catholics do the same. Only this is no ordinary lamb. This is
we see in heaven “the Lamb that was slain.” At Mass, that
Notes