AGNUS DEI

I entered the church for the 5:30 mass, it was dimly lit, barren as though it were asleep. There before me, before us, up in the front for all to see was the Cross, without Christ's body brought to focus with the deep purple drape that unfolded behind it. It spoke of the journey that Jesus would make, that we are invited to make with him during these 40 days. A road that will give us an opportunity to let go of the habits, thoughts and behaviors that have held us back from freedom. A chance to go deeper into our hearts and by grace say "yes, yes I will follow, I too will pick up my cross and follow after you." 

There will be pain, there will be suffering but with it in time, new life. 

High above the Cross was the beautifully illumined image of a lamb and just before we partook of the Eucharistic meal the Cantor softly began to chant;

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, dona nobis pacem.

(Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.

Lamb of God , you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.)

May each of us deeply experience the breadth of that chant in these 40 days.