• The Resurrection

The Resurrection

Window Description:

A window in the sanctuary of St. John's Catholic Chapel displays the resurrection of Christ. The Gospels do not recount the actual moment of the resurrection, as no one on earth witnessed it. Rather they relay latter events that occurred when the disciples visited the empty tomb. The lack of textual description for the resurrection has generated a wide range of visual responses to it. The stained glass artist for the window at St. John's created a unique depiction.

In the center of the window stands the risen Christ in front of a rocky outcrop that represents his tomb. Christ's presence in front of the opening prevents us from seeing inside and thus we must imagine its interior. Christ pushes back the door of the tomb with his right hand, while he reaches upward with his left. Generally, artists do not portray Christ opening the tomb, but rather depict him rising from it or standing in front of it. In his resurrected-divine-state Christ is not limited by time and space and thus need not open any door. Perhaps the artist portrays Christ pushing the stone back to signify his power as God the Son-an allusion to pushing open the gates of heaven or back the gate of death? If this is the case, then his upturned hand might express his thanks to the Father for answering his prayer. The quotes in the window pertain to Christ's resurrection: "I am the resurrection and the life" (top) and "He that believeth in me although he be dead, shall live" (bottom).

To the left, in the distance behind Christ, is Calvary. No full description of the site exists. The Gospel of John (John 19:20) describes it as a place located outside of the city walls of Jerusalem. The Gospel of Matthew indicates that it was near a crossroads (Matt. 27:39) and elevated (Matt. 27:55). The artist has rendered Calvary as a low hill of rock with a path leading to it. The crosses of Christ and the two thieves still stand atop it. The rendition of the path is not merely literal but also spiritual: the way of the cross is a difficult path. The large, vermilion-colored sun that rises over the spot highlights the spot as well as visually links it to the halo of Christ-a reference to Christ as the "light of the world"?

Along the sides of the window are two slender columns upon which "stand" stylized foliate forms that might be shafts of wheat, a symbol of the Eucharist, the Bread of Life. Eucharist references are certainly appropriate for a window located in the Chapel's sanctuary, as is the theme of the resurrection of Christ.

--Paula Carns, M.S., Ph.D.