This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
The particular, personal role of each of His disciples in the plan of salvation is precious in the eyes of the Lord. In today’s first reading, we have the four living creatures presented: Man, ox, lion, eagle. St. Irenaeus is the one credited with first identifying in these images the Four Evangelists, the writers of the gospels. Each image beautifully brings out something special about the evangelist in question.
St. Matthew is associated with the man (sometimes depicted as a winged man, like an angel). His gospel brings out the human lineage of Christ, thereby emphasizing the fact that Jesus was truly man, with all that this implies.
St. Mark is associated with the lion. He emphasizes the prophetic announcement of John the Baptist, the “voice crying out in the desert.” Mark brings out the prophetic nature of Jesus’ mission, like that of a lion roaring.
St. Luke is associated with the bull or ox, with a nod to the calf from today’s reading. He begins his gospel with the sacrificial duties of Zechariah in the temple, and with Mary’s sacrificial obedience at the Annunciation and the Holy Family’s sacrificial offering in the Temple at the Presentation, which are foreshadowings of Jesus’ priestly sacrifice on the cross. The ox/bull/calf represents Luke’s emphasis on the sacrificial nature of the mission of Christ and, by extension, every Christian.
Finally, St. John is associated with the eagle. In his gospel, John ascends into the loftiest contemplation of the divine mysteries associated with Jesus, for example, in his contemplation at the beginning of his gospel of the eternal Word becoming flesh. The eagle represents the spiritual heights to which John soars.
The Holy Spirit so cherished each of these individual nuances and roles that He immortalized them in Scripture–not only in today’s reading from Revelation, but also in Old Testament prophecy (cf. Ez. 1:5-14).
Often, we rightly consider today’s Gospel passage, the parable of the talents, in the light of guarding against falling short of what God expects of us in the cultivation of our resources for fruit in evangelization and salvation. But we also see here a reflection of the cherished personal character of each individual’s mission, character, and trajectory in the Christian life, displayed in the distinct personal gift of “talents” that God makes to each servant.
What does Jesus cherish about your particular role in His plan of salvation? What gifts has He given you for the fulfillment of His plan, and how would He like them to be employed?
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Consider your particular vocation, and also the themes that come up for you again and again in your contemplative prayer. Ask Jesus how these play into what He particularly cherishes about the divine work He is performing in you, and your role in helping bring others to Him. Ask Him to help you grow in wisdom concerning the implementation of your gifts in His service.
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