"Shine" | Reflection by Joe Dzeda

Did you ever stop to look at Trinity’s beautiful lectern? It is a massive object made of cast and wrought brass, probably dating from the addition of the Chancel in 1885. As with many other Episcopal churches, ours portrays a large eagle, its impressive wings outspread to support the Holy Bible, its eyes intently focused on something in the distance.

There are two common explanations given for the use of an eagle for a lectern.  The first is that the eagle, thought to be the largest and most powerful of all birds, can fly closest to heaven, thereby bearing the Word of God to all corners of the earth.

The other reason cited, and the one that resonates with me, is the belief that the eagle alone is capable of staring directly into the brilliant shining of the sun, and that Christians, likewise, may look unflinchingly upon the revelation of the Divine Word. 

As the first shining rays of light on Easter Morning banish the gloom of the sad night, let us give thanks for the Word made flesh and rejoice in His dazzling Resurrection.  Alleluia!