In the Catholic Mass the Agnus Dei or Lamb of God is part of the Communion Rite. According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, in the Mass Structure and Meaning, “the celebrant breaks the consecrated bread as the people sing the Agnus Dei or “Lamb of God.” John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). The action of breaking the bread recalls the actions of Jesus at the Last Supper, when he broke the bread before giving it to his disciples.

 

The Lamb of God in Latin:

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

 

The Lamb of God in English:

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace

Sporting Chance Press  Poems About the Gospel by  Patrick McCaskey is a collection of Christian poems that is is surprising, inspiring, and all very human. Readers can find a few words of encouragement in each poem. Poems About the Gospel is available from Sporting Chance Press and Amazon. 

Patrick McCaskey is a Vice President and Director of the Chicago Bears, Chair of Sports Faith International, and Chair of WSFI Catholic Radio 88.5, as well as poet and the author of our Sports and Faith Series.  The Sports and Faith Series include stories of athletes and others who live exemplary lives like George “Papa Bear” Halas. 

Here’s one of Pat’s poems that referenced the Lamb of God. This one appears in our forthcoming book called Poems About the Gospel II.

 

Saint John the Baptist Bore Witness Again

 

John 3:22-30

 

John the Baptist said that he was a friend

Of the bridegroom, his cousin, Jesus Christ.

John the Baptist had quite a special role,

But Jesus Christ was much more important.

 

John the Baptist was full of joy because

Jesus had already begun to act.

He had called many people to follow

Him and many people had responded.

 

John the Baptist was faithful and humble.

He felt compelled to disappear after

The Messiah, Jesus Christ, had arrived.

Saint John told others to follow Jesus.

 

Saint John set a wonderful example.

It’s not about us.  It’s about Jesus.

 

Patrick McCaskey

 

Copyright 2021, Sporting Chance Press

Image: Photo: Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P., Christ our Peace, Mosaic of Christ symbolized in the Abbey of the Dormition, on Mount Sion in Jerusalem. https://www.flickr.com/photos/paullew/48178377451/