Behold, Among Men

"Behold, Among Men" is a profound and majestic antiphon by the late Spiritan priest and composer Fr. Lucien Deiss. Drawing its core text from Revelation 21:3, the song reflects on the mystery of the Church as the true dwelling place of God on earth. It reminds us that the sanctuary is not just a building of stone, but a living temple built by saints, martyrs, and everyday people called by God.

In the choir loft, this piece is often chosen for the Entrance procession or during the Communion rite, as its verses beautifully trace our journey as a worshiping community. The lines speak of being born in the waters of the Spirit, grafted onto Jesus the Vine, and nourished by His body at the paschal supper. The recurring antiphon anchors the congregation, making it easy for the faithful to join in the triumphant declaration that we are His people, and He is our Lord and God.

Singing this hymn brings a deep sense of unity to the Mass. As the choir moves through the nine verses, each stanza unfolds another layer of our shared identity—from being justified by grace to proclaiming the glory of the Father. It is a powerful reminder of our call to be a holy people, brought together from darkness into light.