What a challenge and a blessing to create this icon for St. Anthony’s Church in Pocatello, Idaho!

At the base of the icon it reads, “To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever!” from Revelation 5:12. These are the words of praise of “every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them”, including us. We join with the angels, the Church (past, present and future) and all creation in this vision of universal praise of the God who loves us, who became man to show us the way to the Father and who sacrificed Himself for us. In the icon, even mountains, trees, and the donkey bow in praise. And God continually loves and blesses His creation (how many times in the icon do we see Jesus raising His hand in blessing?)

This ancient story, told in an ancient iconic form, is still vibrant, alive and real today. Our Father (the One seated on the throne) and Jesus, the Lamb, co-reign in heaven and on earth with the Holy Spirit, always and forever. Amen!