Mental Images in Holy Scripture
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
There are some very powerful images in Holy Scripture. These are not necessarily pictures or photographs but descriptions of ideas that form a logical mental image. Take for example, the mental image of the Eagle hovering over it's brood. “As an eagle incites its nestlings forth by hovering over its brood, So he spread his wings to receive them and bore them up on his pinions.” (Deut. 32:11) If you've ever seen an Eagle in flight or at a nest, their size is impressive.
In the Hymn, "On Eagles' Wings" (by Fr. Jan Michael Joncas) the words form a strong image of comfort and heavenly joy. This hymn is especially desired for Masses of Christian Burial, but Fr. Joncas originally wrote this hymn for use at Pentecost.
Another mental image is strongly conveyed in the words: "What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.” … “I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” (Luke 15:4-7) The concept of the Shepherd and the Sheep is very strong. There is no stronger analogy for God loving us until the end! The message it conveys tells us how important we are in the sight of God.
"The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." (Jn. 1:29) "The Lamb of God" is innocent and our redeemer. Another strong image.
The Biblical significance of the title is rendered in the context of earlier lamb symbolism. The blood of the paschal lamb of the Old Testament protects and saves the Israelites in Exodus 12. This link is made explicit in 1 Corinthians 5:7. For Paul, Christians are saved by Christ as their true paschal lamb.
The Old Testament also testifies to the earlier practice of sin offerings as a possible means of atonement. Lambs could be used in these offerings (e.g. Leviticus 4:32–34 and 5:6), and this link is strongly suggested by John 1:29 and 1 Peter 1:19. Just as in Judaism sins could be forgiven through the offering and the pouring out of the blood of an "unblemished" lamb (cf. Lev 4:32), so Christians believe they can be freed from sin by the blood of Jesus, the unblemished Lamb of God. See Sin for further discussion about the concept of sin and the means of atonement in Judaism. Those who reject the lamb of God atonement theology say that blood cannot forgive sin and that Jesus taught us to remove our sins by repentance, love and forgiving others.
Then there are images of great strength, David and Goliath or the powerful voice of the Lion, and The Lion of Judah. "In Christianity, the Lion of Judah epithet is used to refer to Jesus Christ. In fact, there are a number of authentic Christian ministries that use the symbol as their emblem or a prefix to their names. The reference appears in the Bible in the Book of Revelation 5:5, in the New Testament. The symbol is read and understood as a direct reference to Jesus, where he is regarded as the 'lion of the tribe' and 'Root of David'.
The Four Gospels in the New Testament have symbols ... Matthew the Evangelist, the author of the first gospel account is symbolized by an Angel. Matthew's gospel starts with Jesus' genealogy from Abraham; it represents Jesus' Incarnation, and so Christ's human nature. This signifies that Christians should use their reason for salvation. Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel account is symbolized by a Lion - a figure of courage and monarchy. Mark has John the Baptist preaching "like a lion roaring" at the beginning of his Gospel. It also represents Jesus' Resurrection (because lions were believed to sleep with open eyes, a comparison with Christ in the tomb), and Christ as king. This signifies that Christians should be courageous on the path of salvation.
Luke the Evangelist, the author of the third gospel account (and presumably the Acts of the Apostles) is symbolized by an Ox bull or calf - a figure of sacrifice, service and strength. Luke's account begins with the duties of Zacharias in the temple; it represents Jesus' sacrifice in His Passion and Crucifixion, as well as Christ being High priest (this also represents Mary's obedience). The ox signifies that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice themselves in following Christ.
John the Evangelist, the author of the fourth gospel account is symbolized by an Eagle - a figure of the sky, and believed to be able to look straight into the sun. John starts with an eternal overview of Jesus the Logos and goes on to describe many things with a "higher" level of theology than the other three "terrestrial" Synoptic Gospels; it represents Jesus' Ascension, and Christ's divine nature.
In the Catholic Church, in general, we associate certain images with Truths in Holy Scriptures. The dove representing the Holy Spirit is an example. We know it is a dove, a bird, but in conjunction with the other images (Father, Son) there is no doubt that the dove represents the Holy Spirit.
The images of the empty tomb signifying that the Lord has Risen, and the stark images of the Cross, leave no doubt what Scripture is trying to convey to us. In the tomb, open with the heavy stone rolled away from the entrance, we know that Jesus is no longer there.
All these mental images are ideal meditation starters. Let the story that unfolds in Holy Scripture roll around in your mind. Relive the story in your heart, knowing that every word is true. These four Gospels and Readings are the Life of Jesus Christ. Use the Scriptures to learn from, and to learn about God's infinite love for us and for each person on earth. Tell other people what you’ve learned so they may come to know and love Jesus through the four Evangelists.
Fred S. Schaeffer, OFS
Researched and written May 9, 2010
Published May 8, 2024