June 24, 2026

Wednesday Word . . . Window Stories: North Sanctuary

On the north side of the sanctuary (the right side of the altar as you look from the nave) is a window of Christ. It shows him standing, dressed in a gold robe and red mantle (a type of cloak or loose garment worn over other clothing), and flanked by two trees. There is a blue sky and the faint outline of a city in the distance. On either margin there is a small cross and crown of thorns, which are subtle reminders of what Jesus is to face in the future.

It appears this is a pre-crucifixion image as there are no wounds on his hands or feet, nor are there marks on his head from the crown of thorns. His clothing, the gold robe and red mantle, depict his dual nature – gold that symbolizes his divinity, his role as high priest, and being King of kings, and red that symbolizes his humanity and sacrifice. The colors of his halo alternate between red and gold, further symbolizing the dual nature of Jesus as fully human and fully divine.

In looking at the two trees you wonder about location. One's mind is drawn to Jesus on the Mount of Olives with Jerusalem in the background. The two trees in the window bear a resemblance to real olive trees, confirming that this depicts Jesus on that mountain. The significance of Jesus between the two trees could be that Jesus is the connection between the Old and New Testaments, or maybe that he is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.

The Mount of Olives is also significant in the gospels. It was from there where Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we know as Palm Sunday. It was there where he foretold the destruction of Jerusalem and the world. It's the traditional site of Gethsemane. And it was from there where Jesus ascended to heaven.

Finally, the window bears the words, What think ye of Christ.

This window, placed where it is in the sanctuary and especially visible to those coming forward to kneel and receive the blessed Sacrament of Body and Blood, asks us to ponder this question – What think ye of Christ?

As you worship God in this place, and as you receive Holy Communion week after week, what think ye of Christ? What stories can you share about Christ in your life? And if you aren't sure, think about where Christ and his Church have been particularly important in your life, meditate on it, and rehearse it until you feel comfortable telling that story.

We all have faith stories to share. What's yours?

Blessings,

Todd+