The symbols of the four evangelists derive from the opening of the Book of Ezekiel. There the prophet envisions four living creatures in the middle of a glowing fire from a stormy north wind. The faces of the creatures resemble a human being (usually depicted as an angel), a lion, an ox and an eagle. Luke's account of the infancy of Jesus places the child in the Temple with Zechariah, a priest who offered sacrifice of animals including oxen. The horns of the beast may represent the old and new covenant, each with its own sacrifice. John, the evangelist whose work intently gazes on the eternal Word, recalls the eagle that flies face into the sun. Michael ranks as the highest of the Angelic host. With Gabriel, Michael is the only angel mentioned in the Bible. He is the head of all the great warring angels who do battle against evil. In loving memory of The Reverend William Francis Burke.