Eagle, in Christian Symbolism

Eagle, In Christian Symbolism

St. Gregory considered this bird to typify the contemplative life; other fathers regarded it as an emblem of resurrection (Ps 103:5). It is the symbol of St. John the Evangelist, as it soars up to heaven and the sun; and he dwells in his Gospel and the Revelations specially on the divine discourses and the celestial glory of the Sun of Righteousness. It also represented the regeneration of the neophyte; the resurrection of the Saviour (says St. Ambrose); and renewing of the soul on earth, as glory hereafter will renew body and soul; the power of grace when it is portrayed drinking at a chalice, or in combat with a serpent, the type of evil.