BEHOLD AMONG MEN

"Behold Among Men" is a majestic entrance hymn that calls the congregation to recognize their identity as the living Church. Composed by Fr. Lucien Deiss, the piece opens with a powerful refrain declaring that God’s dwelling place is right here among His people. It is a perfect choice for the start of Mass, setting a tone of reverence and communal unity as the choir and clergy process to the altar.

The nine verses walk through the deep imagery of what it means to be the Church—a temple built by saints and martyrs, branches grafted onto Jesus the vine, and a people nourished by the paschal supper. Because the melody is straightforward and chant-like, it allows the choir to lead the assembly through these theological truths without losing the natural rhythm and meaning of the words.

Singing this hymn reminds the faithful of their shared calling. When the voices rise together on the final line of each verse—"the Church of Christ the Lord"—it reinforces a profound sense of belonging. It is a song that grounds the liturgy, reminding everyone in the pews that they are not just individuals at prayer, but a holy people gathered from darkness into light.