This morning I was reading a book on the Book of Kells (also called The Book of Kells), which I found most informative. I'd picked it up in a castle bookstore in Scotland. This book has a beautiful layout, with a full-page print of a page from the original Book of Kells, and opposite it text discussing it. Among other things, it explained why the four Evangelists were symbolized by a man, lion, ox, and eagle--a point that had always mystified me.
Matthew -- the Man -- His gospel emphasizes Jesus' humanity.
Mark -- the Lion -- His gospel emphasizes Jesus' royalty.
Luke -- the Ox -- His gospel emphasizes Jesus' priesthood and sacrifice.
John -- the Eagle -- He in his gospel "soars to Heaven, as St. Augustine puts it, and gazes on the light of immutable truth with keen and undazzled eyes."
Rather classy, I thought. This may not be the only explanation, but it struck me as a nice solid one. The Book of Kells (the original one) is astoundingly intricate and impressive, and I mean to learn more about it and also learn to illuminate manuscripts.
I thought it was Matthew that emphasized Jesus' royalty--at least, it's the book that is constantly talking about Jesus fulfilling prophecy. Also, it's the one that tells of his receiving kingly gifts from the wise men.
ReplyDeleteI also thought it was Matthew that did the Lion-royalty thing. Which would leave... Mark for the ox (humility) and Luke for the man, or the other way 'round.
ReplyDeleteEverybody agrees John is the eagle though. :-)
The four are, if I recall correctly, the four "faces" on the living creatures in John's Apocalypse.