LITURGY LESSON: LAMB OF GOD

(Given: October 24, 2010 30^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

Physicists say that “Nature abhors a vacuum.” Apparently at one point in history “The Liturgy abhorred silence.” Last week we talked about the Breaking of the Bread and mentioned that it often took a long time to break up the loaves of bread for Holy Communion. Apparently this was especially true at the Pope’s Mass. Pope Sergius the First, introduced the chant, Lamb of God, or as we used to know it, the Agnus Dei, in the eighth century because the Breaking of the Bread was taking so much time. It filled in the silence.

Note how the chant is constructed. Twice we say or sing, “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.” Then we say or sing once, “Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.” The chant is actually designed so that the first refrain can be sung as many times as necessary to fill the time needed to prepare the hosts for Holy Communion. Then the final refrain is sung to bring everything to a conclusion.

During the Middle Ages, when people often received Communion only once a year, obviously the need for the chant diminished. It was kept in the Liturgy but in a shortened form. Until restored in the revised liturgy at the Second Vatican Council it was often just said quietly by the priest.

The Lamb of God has a specific purpose in our Liturgy, and it really should be sung since it is a very ancient chant. As we sing it today, let’s use it as a preparation for what we share in the Breaking of the Bread.