18 November 2020

18 November 2020

Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing,
‘Holy, holy, holy,
the Lord God the Almighty,
who was and is and is to come.’.

Apocalypse 4: 1-11, NRSV

In today’s reading from the Book of Revelation, we move on from the epistles or letters to the various churches to a series of prophetic images. In the early part of this reading we are given an amazing vision of the heavenly throne room. It is full of colour, noise and action. Many of the images are drawn from Old Testament writings and much has been written about their meaning. In regard to the four living creatures, some would say that between them they represent the fullness of Christ who is King (lion), servant (sacrificial ox or calf), human (man) and divine (eagle). The four animals are also used in connection with the four evangelists with Matthew symbolised as human, Mark as the lion, Luke as the ox/calf and John as the eagle. All four creatures are caught up in endless praise of God using words that are familiar to us in the Christian liturgy.

    • Why do you think the four creatures sing without ceasing?
    • Is it possible for us to praise God without ceasing? 

The earlier part of this reading offers much richness and deserves to be read in full.