Father Kevin’s Posts

We continue our series of articles on the stained-glass windows that adorn our beautiful church. Knowing a bit more about these beautiful works of art will, we hope, enhance your prayer and worship here at St. Anne.

The Wedding Feast at Cana

Recorded for us in John 2, this window, located on the south wall of the church, reminds us of when Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. To the right of the scene a servant is pouring water into a jar. Notice that the artist has conveyed the miracle in the stream of water. It begins as water and then turns red as it enters the jar. 

The biblical account tells us that the servants filled six large jars, each containing between 20 and 30 gallons. To the left, we see Jesus and his mother Mary. Jesus’ hand gesture may be indicating his intention of changing the water into wine. In the center foreground is the head waiter who has just been given a sample of the new wine. We read in the Bible how he complimented the bridegroom on the quality. Behind him is the wedding couple who have been saved from the embarrassment of running out of wine at their wedding feast.

Which character are you? Are you the servant hauling water with no knowledge of what is to come? Are you the wedding couple helped by Jesus and the intersession of his mother? Or are you the head waiter, a spectator who marvels at a hidden miracle? Perhaps, as we journey through life, we will be all of them.

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?