Behold Among Men

"Behold Among Men" is a classic entrance hymn that sets a majestic and welcoming tone for the Mass. The opening refrain immediately draws the congregation's focus to the altar and the gathered community, reminding us that the Church is not just a physical building, but the people themselves—the very dwelling place of God.

The verses walk through the spiritual identity of the faithful. They speak of a people built by saints and apostles, born in the waters of the Spirit, and nourished by the body of the Lord. For a choir, this arrangement offers a lovely dynamic contrast. The refrain is meant to be sung with full, confident harmony, while the verses can be led by a cantor or the soprano section. This allows the rich theology of the text to ring out clearly, supported by the gentle, sustained harmonies in the lower voices.

This piece works wonderfully for the Entrance procession, especially on feast days celebrating the Church, such as the Dedication of a Church, Pentecost, or Christ the King. It gives the choir loft a perfect opportunity to lead the congregation in recognizing their shared call as the living Church of Christ.