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| Saint Elizabeth of Hungary |
A throne was there in heaven, and on the throne sat one
whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian.
whose appearance sparkled like jasper and carnelian.
The visions of Revelation are a delight for the eye. We can
see these splendid, triumphal images of God’s victory. The gold glitters and
diamonds sparkle. Thrones impose; crowns impress; a sea of glass radiates; robes
proclaim royalty and irresistible power. Meanwhile, songs and shouts and
trumpet blasts and kettle drums rattle our very bones. Our spines tingle and our
knees tremble. If we plug our ears against the uproar, our chests amplify the
din.
The New Testament would not be complete without the Book of
Revelation. The crucifixion of Jesus requires
such visions. It is very hard to see splendor and glory in the cross. It was
appalling in every way. But Saint Paul Jesus ’
most glorious throne.
No visual artist has yet pulled off such a feat, depicting
his crucifixion as his moment of supreme triumph; but our traditional crucifix –
depicting his body as suspended over the earth with outstretched arms – goes a
long way. It describes his total surrender to God’s mercy and human cruelty.
And the same image announces his readiness for the day when every nation will
call him Lord.
Today is also the Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of
Hungary, a co-patron saint with Saint Louis Jesus
on his road to Calvary . Despite the ravages of history
she is revered to his day in her native land and especially among Franciscans.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.