In terms of Reading our Sanctuary, we had discussed the possibility of storytelling on the four beasts, which are found in our Jesus Window, and also, in the Fellowship Hall, as small, white medallions, high above the stage. I would love to go over a couple of interpretive pathways with you over the phone. I have some ideas, which I'm attaching below.
I would love to be your assistant and help on Sunday, if I can. I have an idea for how I might help, if you'd like.
Let's chat on the phone?
Thank you Molly!!
-Anthony
1) The first reading discusses the supremacy of The Spirit over the flesh. A possible segue from this reading into the storytelling on the four beasts might be two-fold; a traditional interpretation, leading to something quite spiritual. Kids might love the opportunity to engage with these mysteries; these four beasts not only symbolize qualities of the 4 gospel writers (standard interpretation), but also, symbolize important tenets, mechanisms, and a call to worship God's Creation (modern interpretation), which are featured throughout various cosmologically-oriented writings in the Hebrew Bible and Old Testaments (Ezekiel, Enoch, and Revelation, namely). I think it would be quite beautiful to teach on all of these aspects; the beasts as symbols of the God-given qualities of the Gospel writers, and that these are highly spiritual beings, and humans can't see them under normal, everyday circumstances. We believe in a God of Unknowable and Infinite Mystery and Wonder. These beasts show us a glimmer of that.
2) The second reading is one of Jesus' parables, which as you know, are kaleidoscopic and fractal; their interpretation can mean many things. Sometimes, Jesus entreats listeners with an explicit meaning for a parable, and this reading is one! Jesus' discussion of a farmer, their seed, and the physical world (soils, birds, rocks, thorns, plants, sun, crop) are all important metaphors about receiving God's word.
Want to print your doc? This is not the way.
Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (
The Four Beasts
