The Gospel reading last weekend offers us a powerful line which is incredibly significant to our faith and the Lenten journey we’ll be taking soon: ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’ (John 1:29) Behold. It gets our attention. Whether we read it for ourselves or hear it proclaimed, we know what follows deserves our faithful focus and prayerful reflection. ‘Behold’ invites us to take more than just a quick glance. My online search provided the words remarkable, impressive, and to look intensely. Yes, these all apply as we come across many ‘behold’ moments in scripture that draw us to the Lord. They are often scenes to contemplate in prayer and help us grow in spirit.
Though the actual texts (and use of ‘behold’) vary from translation to translation, we know these biblical moments, these invitations to encounter God’s love, grace, and mercy, very well: Behold, God is my salvation. I shall trust and not be afraid…. (Is 12:2) Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. (Luke 1:38) Behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them…. (Luke 2:9) Behold, I am making all things new. (Rev 21:5) One of the most poignant hymns I long to hear on Good Friday repeats the lyrics ‘Behold, behold the wood of the cross, on which is hung our salvation. O come, let us adore.’ (Behold the Wood, written by Dan Schutte) What follows ‘behold’ in these examples truly is remarkable, impressive and brings us to not just look intensely but to engage our spirit in the works of the Lord.
How well do we notice, hear, or feel our own ‘behold’ moments? Do they get our attention, so what follows receives our faithful focus and prayerful reflection? Are we aware, ready, and open for what God wishes to reveal to us? Though I’ve jokingly asked the Lord for a neon sign with an arrow pointing ‘this way,’ I know that’s not where I will find His wisdom and grace. It is through personal, behold moments that the Lord will show me, teach me, or lead me. Only in prayer, in our speaking and listening to God, will we hear Him say to us ‘behold.’ With attentive and faithful hearts, may we wait in trust for what follows.
Journeying to Grace 