Behold the Lamb | Free Lenten and Holy Week Video Reflections

The Easter Day Reflection

Easter morning in the Gospel of John unfolds in quiet wonder. Peter and John run to the tomb, finding it empty, the burial cloths folded, and yet no appearance of the Risen Lord. And still, the Church sings Alleluia.

In this reflection, Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P., invites us into that first morning and into our own. Drawing from the Gospel and the teaching of Pope Benedict XVI, he leads us to see the Resurrection not as a return to earthly life, but as the opening of a gate into eternal life.

That gate stands open now. Wherever you are, this morning becomes Jerusalem. Come and see. Come and believe.

Behold the Lamb Series

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Behold the Lamb

Behold the Lamb is a free Lenten video series from the Dominican Friars of the Province of St. Joseph. Throughout Lent and Holy Week, these brief reflections guide your prayer, deepen your contemplation, and draw you closer to Christ.

Each video invites you to enter the mystery of Christ’s Passion, embrace conversion of heart, and grow in prayer during this sacred season. Sign up to receive the reflections directly in your inbox and walk with the friars through Lent and Holy Week.

The Holy Saturday Reflection

Enter into the stillness of Holy Saturday with this reflection from Fr. Jonah Teller, O.P. As the Church waits between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, we are invited to remain close to Christ in hope.

This Holy Saturday reflection explores how Christ has entered fully into the human experience—even death itself—transforming suffering and the tomb by his presence. Watch and keep vigil as we await the Resurrection of Christ.

The Good Friday Reflection

On Good Friday, we stand at the foot of the Cross and behold Christ crucified—the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. This day draws us into the heart of the Passion of Christ, where his suffering and death reveal the depth of God’s love for us.

In this Behold the Lamb reflection, Fr. Cyril Stola, O.P., invites us to contemplate the mystery of his passion and what is made known through the Cross. Here we see that true love is not only spoken, but given—poured out freely and completely for the salvation of the world.

Take time to enter into this Good Friday reflection, remain before the Cross, and allow the Lord to draw your heart closer to his.

The Holy Thursday Reflection

On Holy Thursday, the Church enters into the mystery of the Upper Room, where Christ gives himself to his apostles and institutes the Eucharist and the priesthood. In this Behold the Lamb reflection, Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P., draws us into this sacred hour and the meaning of the first Mass.

As we follow him into this night, we are invited to receive the gift of his presence, to remain with him, and to be united to his one sacrifice, made present at every Mass.

The Wednesday of Holy Week Reflection

On Wednesday of Holy Week, we are invited to pause and look honestly at our relationship with Christ. In today’s Behold the Lamb reflection, Fr. Jonah Teller, O.P., leads us through a difficult but necessary question: are we faithful to the Lord, or do we sometimes find ourselves turning away in small and hidden ways?

Through the example of Judas and Peter, we are reminded that while we can fail, we are never beyond the reach of mercy. Christ continues to call us back to him, even when we have wandered.

The Tuesday of Holy Week Reflection

On this Tuesday of Holy Week, we are drawn into the Upper Room at the Last Supper, where the tension of the moment begins to unfold. Peter wants to follow Christ immediately, but is told he cannot follow just yet. In that exchange, we hear something familiar, the impatience that often marks our own spiritual lives, the desire to understand and to move forward without delay.

Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, O.P., reflects on this moment as an invitation to trust in God’s providence. The promise is not taken away, only given in its proper time. As the Triduum approaches, we are called to remain close to Christ, to persevere in faith, and to trust that he is leading us where we are meant to go.

The Monday of Holy Week Reflection

Mary of Bethany didn’t calculate. She just poured.

In this reflection for Monday of Holy Week, Fr. Cyril Stola, O.P. considers the Gospel passage of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus. Judas places a value on the gift. Christ does not.

This moment reveals how we often approach God—measuring what we give, assuming it is not enough. The Gospel does not present that hesitation. Mary gives what she has. Christ receives it. This same spirit is present throughout Holy Week in the liturgy and in the quiet work that prepares for it. Much of it goes unseen, but it is not wasted. It is offered to Christ.

The Palm Sunday Reflection

As we enter into Holy Week, the Church slows us down. In this Palm Sunday reflection, Fr. Jonah Teller, O.P., invites us into the mystery of these sacred days.

The liturgies do not turn away from darkness. They lead us through it, because of love. This is not an ordinary week. It is set apart, calling us to walk with Christ step by step from the Upper Room to Calvary, and into the silence of the tomb. Watch the reflection and enter more deeply into Holy Week with Christ.

The Solemnity of the Annunciation Reflection

In this Behold the Lamb reflection, Fr. Cyril Stola, O.P., reflects on the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary—the moment when the mystery of our salvation begins.

From Our Lady’s fiat flows the entire story of Christ’s life, from the Visitation to the Passion, Resurrection, and Pentecost. What begins in hiddenness becomes the unfolding work of redemption.

Fr. Cyril also reflects on how this grace continues in our lives today as God brings his saving work to completion in us.

The Fifth Sunday of Lent Reflection

For the fifth Sunday of Lent, Fr. James Dominic Brent, O.P. reflects on the raising of Lazarus and what it reveals about the Resurrection of Christ.

Lazarus is brought back to earthly life, but Christ enters a new and eternal life—one that he now shares with us through the Holy Spirit. In this reflection, we are invited to see how the life of the risen Lord is already at work in those who are baptized into him, drawing us from death into true life in Christ.

The Solemnity of St. Joseph Reflection

St. Joseph lived an ordinary life as a laborer, yet God entrusted him with an extraordinary mission: to care for Jesus Christ and protect the Blessed Virgin Mary. In this reflection, Fr. Cyril Stola, O.P., explores how St. Joseph faced this great responsibility with quiet faith, courage, and trust in God.

A patron for anyone who has ever felt in over their head, St. Joseph reminds us that, whatever mission the Lord entrusts to us, he also provides the grace and guidance we need to be faithful.

Fourth Sunday of Lent | Gospel Reflection

In this reflection, Fr. Jonah Teller, O.P., explores the Gospel of the man born blind (John 9:1–41). As Jesus forms clay from the earth and restores the man’s sight, he shows himself as the Creator who gives new life. Fr. Jonah invites us to see how this miracle points to the deeper sight Christ gives through faith, opening our eyes to know God more fully. He also reflects on how Lent is a journey of repentance, trust, and hope, reminding us that Christ is present even in moments of darkness and waiting.

Fourth Sunday of Lent Reflection | Laetare Sunday

On Laetare Sunday, the Church pauses in the midst of Lent to rejoice. In this reflection, Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P., explains the significance of this special Sunday, the meaning of the Entrance Antiphon Laetare, Jerusalem (“Rejoice, O Jerusalem”), and the use of rose-colored vestments. He invites us to see how our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving lead us toward the joy of Christ’s salvation. This reflection is part of the Behold the Lamb series, guiding you to deeper insight and faith.

Third Sunday of Lent Reflection

For the Third Sunday of Lent, Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, O.P., reflects on the Gospel of the woman at the well.  After meeting Jesus, she tells her town, “He told me everything I have done,” and many come to believe in Christ.

This Lenten message invites us to spend time with the Lord in prayer and Eucharistic adoration, where Christ reveals both our need for mercy and the goodness placed within us. Sit with him this week and discover how he truly sees you.

Second Sunday of Lent Reflection

On the Second Sunday of Lent, the Church leads us up the mountain to witness the Transfiguration of the Lord. Before the road to the Cross unfolds, Christ reveals his glory to Peter, James, and John, strengthening them for what lies ahead.

In this reflection, Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress explains why the Church gives us this mystery so early in Lent. The Transfiguration is not a detour from the Cross. It is preparation for it. By beholding Christ in his divinity, we are strengthened to follow him more faithfully through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.

First Sunday of Lent Reflection

On the First Sunday of Lent, the Church prays that through the yearly observance of this holy season, we may grow in understanding of the riches hidden in Christ.

In this reflection, Fr. Joseph-Anthony, O.P., turns to the opening prayer of the Mass to uncover what these hidden riches mean. How can anything be hidden in the One who reveals the Father? How does Lent help us perceive more deeply the divinity of Christ concealed within His humanity?

Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we are trained to see more clearly. Lent is not simply about discipline — it is about contemplation. As we intensify these spiritual practices, we grow in understanding of Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, and prepare our hearts for Holy Week and the Paschal Mystery.

Ash Wednesday Reflection

Begin Lent with the Church’s powerful reminder of our mortality and God’s grace: “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

In this first reflection of Behold the Lamb, Fr. Irenaeus Dunlevy, O.P., explores the meaning of Ash Wednesday, the call to repentance, and the spiritual disciplines of Lent — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. This reflection sets the tone for the forty days of preparation for Easter, helping you enter this holy season with a renewed heart.