Continuation…..
THE “3”
The “3” of the playing card represents the Most Holy Trinity. The English word “Trinity” comes from Latin “Trinitas”, meaning “the number three”. Trinity, in Christian doctrine, is the unity
of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as three persons in one Godhead-God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity is considered to be one of the central Christian affirmations about God. These three persons have equal status and are equally divine. The trinity represents heavenly most holy family. Each person of the trinity has their particular function, God the Father is the creator (Gen 1, 1- 2, 25), God the Son is the redeemer (Jn 3, 16) and God the Holy Spirit is the sanctifier (2 Thess 2, 13). When we receive any Sacrament the whole trinity is present. The sacrament of Baptism is given by using the Trinitarian formula, as commanded by Jesus (Mt 28, 19). The holy trinity is the model of love and helps each other to carry out their function. The holy trinity invites us all to be connected to our families, to spread love in our family and to be models of love.
THE “4”
The “4” stands for the ‘Four Gospels of the New Testament’- Gospel of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John. In these Gospels we find about Jesus, about His life, ministry (healing ministry, preaching ministry, etc.) death and resurrection. The gospels are also reflections on who Jesus is and what He means for the world. These four Gospels are written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by the writers.
1. Gospel of St. Mathew
The author of the first gospel , is symbolized by a ‘Winged Man, or Angel’. The Gospel of Mathew has 28 chapters. The gospel is dated around 75AD. St. Mathew was a former tax collector (Levi) who was called by Jesus to be one of the Twelve Apostles. Matthew’s gospel starts with Joseph’s genealogy from Abraham; it represents Jesus’ Incarnation, and Christ’s human nature but also upholds the Divinity of Jesus. This signifies that Christians should use their reason for salvation.
2. Gospel of Mark
The author of the second gospel, is symbolized by a ‘Winged Lion’ – a figure of courage and monarchy. The lion 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. Mark was a follower of Peter and so an “apostolic man,” The Gospel was written in 65 AD and contains 16 chapters. The gospel of Mark is the first written gospel among the four gospels.
3. Gospel of St. Luke
The author of the third gospel (and the Acts of the Apostles), is symbolized by a ‘Winged Ox or Bull’ – a figure of sacrifice, service and strength. Luke was a doctor who wrote what is now the book of Luke to Theophilus, also known to have written the book of Acts (or Acts of the Apostles) and to have been a close friend of Paul of Tarsus. Luke’s account begins with the duties of Zechariah in the temple; it represents Jesus’s 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. The main focus of this gospel is the universal salvation. The gospel of Luke was written in 85 AD and contains 24 chapters.
4. Gospel of St. John
The author of the fourth gospel , is symbolized by an ‘Eagle’ – a figure of the sky, and believed by Christian scholars to be able to look straight into the sun. John – a disciple of Jesus and the youngest of his Twelve Apostles. John starts with an eternal overview of Jesus the Logos and goes on to describe many things with a “higher” Christology than the other three (synoptic) gospels; it represents Jesus’s Ascension, and Christ’s divine nature. This symbolizes that Christians should look on eternity without flinching as they journey towards their goal of union with God. The Gospel of John is the last written Gospel around 95-100 AD and contains 21 chapters.
-Fr. Leslie Gomes