Behold! – Tony Agnesi

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” –John 1:29

One of my favorite words from the bible is behold. In some older translations it is use almost 1300 times. Many of the newer translations use the word less. The meaning is never more relevant than in this distracted world we live in today.

Everyone is distracted. Soccer practice, school plays and gymnastics; it is a wonder we can behold anything.

Many people are disgusted with social media. They are contemplating taking a break from Facebook, Instagram Twitter and others platforms. Advent is the perfect time to do this. The average person spends close to 3 hours a day with social media. “I just don’t have the time” seems like a poor excuse.

Advent is just a month away and a great time for each of us to spend some time to reflect on our relationship with our Lord. We need to find some time to behold!

[pullquote]“The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” — Luke 2:10[/pullquote]

To behold means to give something our undivided attention like our relationship with God.

Luke asks us to ponder the angel’s statement to Mary to behold the good news.

In John’s gospel, John the Baptist asks us to behold the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world.

And, Jesus’ statement in Matthew to behold the fact that He will be with us always until the end of time.

[pullquote]“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:20[/pullquote]

Many people think that Lent is the time of year for reflection. Advent gives us a time to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord on Christmas day. Let’s promise ourselves that we will spend some time pondering the Word of God. Let’s reflect on our relationship with the Lord. And, take a needed break from social media and the distractions in our daily lives.

So, how do we do it? How do we make some time for God?

We need to cut back on social media! Try going on Facebook only twice a day. And, shut of the notifications from Facebook and other social media platforms. If you are like most people you can gain an hour throughout the day to just behold!
Use you time in the car driving to and home from work as a time of prayer and reflection. It will make you workday less stressful and will return you home in a good mood.
Read at least one good inspirational book during advent. There are so many wonderful Catholic and Christian authors. A visit to your favorite books store should help anyone find something that suits their needs.
Spend some quiet time in prayer and reflection each day. Try to make a weekly Holy Hour, or attend a weekday mass besides mass on Sunday.

So, how about it? Let’s promise each other that we will avoid all the noise and distractions. Let’s spend some time this Advent season with our Lord. I promise it will make your Christmas holiday better than ever. We will Behold “the good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.”

Have a blessed Advent.

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