Throughout the Mass illusion is made to this spotless unblemished Lamb. We thus hear on three occasions the invocation,“Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” and the invitation, “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.”
This Lamb that we address is Christ who is the same spotless unblemished Lamb spoken of in our Epistle. Throughout the course of sacred scripture we should remember the importance that the sacrificial lamb plays. Therefore at the celebration of the Passover it was a lamb which was to be offered and it’s blood placed upon the doorpost. Not just any lamb, but according to scripture: “a lamb without blemish.”
We know that Christ was without blemish for He never entered into the reality of sin and that He becomes this sacrificial lamb which was offered in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. As is pointed out from the Gospel of Saint John: “for these things were done that the scripture might be fulfilled: you shall not break a bone of him” which echos back to the Book of Exodus concerning this lamb for it commands: “neither shall you break a bone thereof.”
The Book of Revelation draws us further into relationship with this lamb. “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and praise!” This is the same lamb towards which Saint John the Baptist called out: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sin of the world.”
This brings me to the importance of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. At times we have forgotten about the language of sacrifice in favor of meal. The Holy Mass is the Sacrifice of Calvary. It is here that we gather around Christ our Lord and the altar of sacrifice. To Him we must come to offer our hearts and strive to become His servants. As instructed by Saint John Chrysostom concerning the fractioning of the consecrated host: “What Christ did not suffer on the Cross, He suffers in sacrifice for thee.”
Let us be thankful for this spotless unblemished Lamb which has been offered for us. As the apostles journeyed with our Risen Lord their eyes came to be opened to this reality through the breaking of bread. Likewise, we will encounter Him here in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
