Fears and Tears

This past week, I have been drawn to the image of the Lamb. I was sitting at Church, and the etching of a lamb in the Marian side altar was in front of me. I had never paid it much attention before, but I found myself gazing upon this image, and contemplating what it means to me.

I look up to my left, and I noticed the large, round stained-glass window depicts a serene landscape with lambs in a green meadow. Somehow, this image has also escaped my attention until now.

Both bring my thoughts to Jesus, the Lamb of God. A gentle, pure, meek, kind, and humble Lord who loves me so much that He laid down His life as the most perfect sacrifice for my sins. Not only for me, but for all. It is difficult for me to imagine a love so great.

Thank you, my God, my Lord, my Savior. I pray that in the new year I receive the grace to love more, and to increase in faith and hope. Amen.

O Lamb of God
By St Irenaeus (c130 – c202)
Bishop & Martyr, Father of the Church

O Lamb of God,
who takes away the sin of the world,
look upon us
and have mercy upon us,
Thou who art Thyself,
both Victim and Priest,
Thyself, both Reward and Redeemer,
keep safe from all evil
those whom Thou hast redeemed,
O Saviour of the world!
Amen