Approaching the Throne

Lectio:                                                                                               REV 5:11-14

I, John, looked and heard the voices of many angels
who surrounded the throne
and the living creatures and the elders.
They were countless in number, and they cried out in a loud voice:
"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain 
to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength,
honor and glory and blessing."
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth
and under the earth and in the sea,
everything in the universe, cry out:
"To the one who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor, glory and might,
forever and ever."
The four living creatures answered, "Amen, "
and the elders fell down and worshiped.

Studium:

John envisions the throne room of heaven. This description will orient John's hearers and readers in the throne room scenes repeated throughout the book. He hears praise from everyone and everything, from angels to plants and animals.  They are praising the One on the throne.  The four Gospel writers answered "Amen," and everyone kneels.

The symbolic creatures are:
Matthew--man
Mark--lion
Luke--on
John--eagle

Meditatio:

Lord, John's vision sounds like Mass to me.  Don't You sit on the throne of the priest's hands?  Aren't our voices praising You.  "Amen! Amen."
   Until we meet in Your throne room, I will give blessing, honor, and glory.

Oratio:

In the Eucharist, Jesus is the sacrifice and God.  He is one of us and Our Lord and Savior.  He is worthy of praise, forever.  But I, Lord, am not worthy that You should come to me.  But speak the words of forgiveness that I may approach to express my love of You, forever.

Contemplatio:

O Sacrament most holy,
O Sacrament divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving
Be ev'ry moment Thine.

Resolutio:

I will write to my "cloistered brother" today and speak of You.