At a recent meeting being held in the Lounge just off of the Sanctuary, someone noticed the dark panel on the wall and the figures on it.  The panel, called a reredos (pronounced “rare-uh-dose”), once held a prominent place in our previous church building before the fire of 1967.  

Beyond the prominent cross, what caught this person’s attention were the four figures on the panel: An angel, an ox, and eagle and a lion.  They were right to ask: “What’s that about?”  Well, here’s what that’s about!

Each of these images represents one of the four evangelists credited with composing the four gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  These symbols come originally from the bible itself; both from the prophet Ezekiel (1:1-21) and also from the Book of Revelation.  In Revelation 4:6-8 we find these words:

“Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and back: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human, 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.”

Irenaeus, the second century Greek bishop, thought that these “four living creatures” should represent the four gospels.  He felt that Matthew should be represented by a “divine man” (often depicted as an angel) because of Matthew’s account of Jesus’ family lineage, his birth as a human being, and his humbleness throughout this gospel.

Mark is represented by a lion because of its connection to royalty and power.  Jesus is the “King of kings and Lord of lords.”  Jesus has a commanding presence in Mark.

Luke is the ox (or calf in some cases) because these animals were used as sacrifices on the Temple altar.  Jesus, then, is the ultimate sacrifice for all of humanity in Luke’s gospel.

Lastly, John is the eagle.  This is because this gospel is sometimes considered “lofty” on account of its opening which echoes the Genesis account of the creation story.  Christ has soared over creation since its beginning and is with us still to carry us closer to God.

While it is rare to find these symbols used in the United Church of Christ, their presence with us on the reredos in the Lounge reminds us that we trace our history all the way back to the early church.

See you in church,

–Rev. Dominic