Jesus Walks on the Water

After sending the disciples in their boat to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus spends time alone in prayer. Then, he walks out onto the water toward the disciples who are struggling against a headwind. They are, quite naturally, frightened when they see him. In response to Jesus’ “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” Peter says, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus extends the invitation and Peter, showing great courage, gets out of the boat and briefly walks on the water toward Jesus.

This stained glass window, located on the south wall of the church, depicts the next scene. Peter, distracted by the wind and waves (and perhaps realizing that walking on water is impossible) begins to sink. He cries out, “Lord, save me!” and Jesus reaches out to him.

While the rescue is the main focus, be sure to notice the additional figures. Two disciples are occupied with sailing the boat through the bad weather described in the gospel accounts. Another disciple reaches over the boat to grab a rope. Is he hoping to help Peter or is he too fighting the storm? The fourth disciple appears in a prayerful posture, reacting to the miracle.

Who are you in the picture? Peter, brave but struggling? The disciples focused on the storm and not the Lord? Or the disciple acknowledging the miracle?

This is the second in a series of articles on the stained-glass windows that adorn our beautiful church. We hope knowing a bit more about these beautiful works of art will enhance your prayer and worship here at St. Anne.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

Found in all four Gospels (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:31-44,
Luke 9:12-17, John 6:1-14) this window, located on the south wall of the church, conveys the story of Jesus feeding the multitude with just a small amount of food.

In the center we see Jesus blessing the food which is held up by two followers. Many unidentified people watch the scene. Who are you in the picture?

Are you offering what you have – even a small amount – to the Lord to use for the betterment of others? Or are you simply watching, perhaps wanting to receive from Jesus but not willing to give. Perhaps the image invites us to move from the background to the foreground – from observing to serving.