It goes back to the Old Testament, as many of our liturgical practices do.
The Ark of the Covenant was was the golden container which contained the broken 10 Commandment tablets, Aaron's rod (symbol for the priesthood), and bits of manna that God has used to feed the Israelites in the desert. The lid for the ark was called the Atonement Cover. On it stood two cherubim (angels), one on each side facing in, which symbolized God's power and presence.
It would have looked something like this:
The atonement cover was God's dwelling place, his throne guarded by angels.
“There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.” (Exodus 25:22)
“Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud over the atonement cover.” (Leviticus 16:2)
“…the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on the ark.” (2 Samuel 6:2)
“O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.” (Isaiah 37:16)
It makes sense then that the place of God's physical presence amongst us today, in the Eucharist, is similarly flanked by angels.
No comments:
Post a Comment