The Evangelical Symbols..What figures are used as emblems?

Question

What do the emblems signify?

Answer 1

What figures are used as emblems of the four Evangelists?

The "Man," the "Lion," the "Ox," and the "Eagle."

Which is the emblem of St. Matthew?
The figure of the "man," because the humanity of Christ is set forth in St. Matthew's Gospel with special clearness. It begins by setting forth the human genealogy of our Lord.

What is the emblem of St. Mark?
The "lion," because this Evangelist sets forth the royal dignity of Christ, who is spoken of as "the lion of the tribe of Judah," and because his Gospel starts so abruptly with the "voice of one crying in the wilderness."

What does the "ox" signify?
The "ox" is the emblem of St. Luke, because this Evangelists dwells especially on the priesthood of Christ, and the "ox" in olden times was the emblem of priestly sacrifice.

What does the "eagle"" signify?
The "eagle" symbolizes lofty aspiration, and is used as the emblem of St. John, because this disciple rose to the highest flight of inspiration in his contemplation of divine mysteries.