Spring is on the horizon and the commercialization of Easter is on full display in the stores. The Easter bunny has little to do with the true reason for the season. As John the Baptist proclaimed at the sight of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (Jn.1:29).
As the prophet Isiah reminds us as a prophecy of Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice, He is “Like a lamb led to slaughter or a sheep silent before shearers, he did not open his mouth.” (Is. 53.7).
As we journey throughout the rest of this Lenten season, we should try to abstain from partaking of the early Easter rush. We are still journeying within our Lenten deserts where we are recalling Jesus, the Lamb of God slain for our transgressions as the ultimate sacrifice. Just as the blood of the lamb marked the doorposts of the Israelite peoples in captivity during Passover, so too should we live our Lenten journey with the indelible mark of our baptism as Christian witnesses.
It is not too late to do penance, give alms or to draw closer to our Lord in prayer. We await the greatest season of Easter reminding us of this Christian mystery of our redemption and new life. As Revelation reminds us, “Then I saw standing in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures and the elders a Lamb that seemed to have been slain.” (Rev. 5:6).
Next time at mass, take heart and reflect on these words at the invitation of holy communion:
Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb. Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
StreetEvangelist 