We heard of four creatures in our first reading today: a
lion, ox, human and eagle. These
creatures first appear in Scripture in the book of Ezekiel and are descriptions
of four angels. The early Church
linked these angelic figures with the four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke and
John. In my own life I have a
devotion to these evangelists which is why you see the symbols for the Gospel
writers on my chasuble and chalice.
Here at St. John’s we see two places where there is an eagle—in the blue
stained glass window and the ambo—that represent our patron, who soared the
heights of theology and spirituality.
The
Gospels are so important to our faith that we read from one of these four
accounts every time we go to Mass.
Whether it is a daily Mass or highest feast, we meditate on one of
these.
We
also hear from a Psalm at each Mass.
These are crucial to our faith because Jesus Himself prayed these
verses.
In
both the Gospels and Psalms we hear a common theme which we celebrate in our
country tomorrow: thanksgiving.
Actually, the word from which thanksgiving comes is Eucharist. Thus, the Mass is our highest form of
thanksgiving we can offer to God.
This
Thanksgiving we should say “thank you” to our parents, family and friends for
all the gifts they have given us.
We should also continue to say “thank you” to God for His infinite
graces given to us, especially at Mass.
As we take a moment of silence
before offering our intercessions, please think of something you are thankful
for and offer that to the Lord.
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