The Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         A few years ago, there was a movie called, “The Raiders of the Lost Ark”.  The subject matter was the Ark of the Covenant of the Jewish testament.  I enjoyed the movie, and I hope that you did also.  What was in the Ark of the Covenant?  According to biblical tradition, the Jewish Ark contained the stone tablets on which are written the Ten Commandments as written by the hand of God.  The Jewish Ark also contained the staff of Moses.  This staff was used to create the ten plagues that set the Israelites free from Egyptian rule.  I believe that the staff was used to part the Red Sea and return the sea back to normal depth after the Israelites crossed in dry land.  Moses also struck a rock in the desert to supply fresh water to the grumbling Israelites.  The rock was Jesus. The water was a precursor of the water that would flow from our Savior’s side at his crucifixion.  The Jewish Ark also contained the Manna that the Israelites ate through their journey of forty years through the desert.  I am surprised that the bible did not mention grumbling about eating Manna for that long a time period.  You can almost hear it, “What, Manna again for breakfast!!” 

         Now, I have heard many things said about the Ark of the Covenant.  Some Christians wonder why there is no Ark in our church.  Considering the contents of the Ark, Catholics do have an Ark of the Covenant.  The Ark has its biblical roots in the Book of Revelations, Chapter 12.  The Ark is not made of wood and gold.  The Ark is made of flesh conceived without original sin.  Mary, the Mother of God, is the Ark.

         Let’s ponder that for a moment.  The Jewish Ark contained the law.  Mary, during nine months, contained Jesus, the New Covenant or lawgiver.  The Jewish Ark contained the Manna from heaven.  Mary had Jesus, the Bread of Life, inside her body.  The Jewish Ark contained the staff of Moses that wrought the miracles as performed by Moses.  Mary contained Jesus for nine months who worked countless healings and miracles during his public ministry.  This is why Mary is considered the Ark of the Covenant.  Pray to her for the strength and encouragement as we live our daily lives.  She is the Mother of God and our Mother.  Jesus gave Mary to us from the cross.  Saint John the Apostle received Mary for all of us.  Her closeness to Jesus is a virtue we should always try to copy.  As we become closer to Jesus in this life, our life will be filled with grace in this world and in the world to come.

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise. Amen.