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 He is worthy of all honor and praise. All bow down in adoration to Him who alone is able to break the seals of the future.

This vision of adoration is a symbol of the worship offered to God in His Church on earth. The throne of God is the altar upon which the Lamb is mystically slain in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Before Him all the faithful bow down in adoration and sing their canticles of praise. In ancient times the bishop had his throne behind the altar, and round about it on either side sat the priests and other clergy. During solemn Mass lighted lamps stood around the altar and ministers carried vessels of burning incense. Beneath the altar reposed the relics of martyrs who had suffered for their faith.

2. The door opened in heaven is a figure of speech signifying that St. John was wrapped in ecstasy even as St. Paul had been many years before. While in this ecstasy he sees the future of the Church unfolded before him in symbolic visions such as were seen by the prophets of old.

3. The red and orange colors of the jasper and sardonyx signify the infinite justice of God. The rainbow of emerald is a symbol of God's mercy and love which save man by calling him to penance. In the days of Noe the bow was set in the heavens as a sign of mercy and forgiveness. Thus at the very beginning of these