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.
This is the first of 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 Raising of Lazarus from the Dead
Located near the confessional, in the southwest corner of the
church, the window depicts the moment when Lazarus is raised
from the dead. Many are familiar with this story found in John 11.
Jesus arrives at the home of Mary and Martha four days after his
friend Lazarus has died. After conversations with the sisters,
Jesus is taken to the tomb and has the stone blocking the
entrance removed. Then, after calling, “Lazarus, come out!” the
dead man appears alive.
Jesus occupies the center of the window and points with his right
hand to Lazarus who has been raised. The artist chose to show
Lazarus’ face, already uncovered, with a devotional expression.
Others picture Lazarus as being confused or filled with joy. How
do you picture this moment?
To the right we see Mary and Martha kneeling. Are those looks of
wonder, disbelief, joy, or something else? Two disciples stand
behind the sisters. One seems afraid while the other, with a hand
outstretched, may be pointing the viewer to the miracle and, in
turn, to our savior.
The window reminds us of Jesus’ power over death and the time,
after our own death, when Jesus will call to us, “Come out!”
