- from CatholicCulture.org
We have all used the word "Amen," but how many of us have stopped to think about what it really means. "Amen" comes from Hebrew and means "verily" or "so be it." It was used as a way to confirm. This is why it was adopted by Jesus and early Christians as a way to affirm what is being said. Essentially, when we respond "Amen" at the end of a prayer, we are affirming that we truly believe the words we have just spoken. When we respond "Amen" after receiving the Eucharist, we are affirming that we truly believe that what he have just received is truly Jesus Christ, body, blood, soul and divinity. In this way, the word "Amen" takes on a great importance and really is not something that should be said lightly or without much thought. So next time you say "Amen," pause for a moment and think to yourself, "Do I really believe this?" If the answer is yes, then respond with a strong and confident, "Amen!"