Tom Mount – August 18, 2024
Scripture reading: Gen 28:10-19
Introduction
• Matthew 18:20; Acts 17:28
• Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God: But only he who sees takes off his shoes, The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries. “
Tour of the church grounds: the Gospel in symbols
• General orientation: facing east, a reminder we are still in exile longing for what was lost in Eden (Gen 2:8).
• A narrow gate and long path: metaphor for the Christian life (John 10:9; Matt 7:13-14).
• Beautiful grounds: a sign of God’s blessing and a foretaste of the world to come (Rev 22:1-5).
• Muiredach High Cross with OT and NT scenes from the story of salvation (Gen 28:18).
• (Future) Fleur-de-lis crosses on steeple and south roof ridge(Gal 6:14).
• Seven arches and seven windows (Gen 1:1-2:3): seven days of creation and rest (completeness)
• Epiphany blessing above the front door: 20 + C + M + B + 24 (Matt 2:1-12)
• Lobby: marked by a simple, stark crucifix (Col 1:19-20)
• Sanctuary: a sacred meeting place with God (John 4:19-24).
• Baptismal font: we enter his presence enter through the waters of baptism (Rom 6:1-4).
• Focal point: The communion table at the center with the pulpit to the side (Heb 12:2).
• Communion table: Trinity window (Mt 28:19), Jesus icons(Col 1:15), candles (John 8:12), bread (John 6:35), cup (Lk 22:20; cf. Ps 104:15; Lev 17:14), Alpha/Omega (Rev 22:13), “IHS” (iota eta sigma) Christogram (Acts 4:12); “Holy, Holy, Holy” (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8).
• Stained glass windows: the story of Jesus in nine vignettes.
South wall:
1. His Nativity (Lk 2:1-16)
2. His temple visit at the age twelve (Lk 2:41-52)
Southwest wall:
3. His baptism (Lk 3:21-22)
4. His ministry to children (Mt 19:13-15)
5. His transfiguration (Mt 17:1-8)
Northwest wall:
6. His crucifixion (Mt 27:32-56)
7. His resurrection from the dead (Mt 28:1-10)
8. His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Lk 24:50-53).
9. His sending of his Spirit to his Bride (Acts 2:1-47)
Takeaways
Remember the Browning quote: “Earth’s crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God: But only he who sees takes off his shoes, The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.” Ask God to give you eyes to see him.
Holy Communion
Resources