Our Stained Glass Windows

Lent

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. It is a period of spiritual discipline and penitence. As there are not many symbols used explicitly for Lent, the symbols used in these windows are permitted, as they bear no reference to other seasons.

The vine from the Epiphany windows continues into the Lent windows although the leaves are darkened in accordance with the penitential aspect of the season.

The lion, which was once common in Palestine but is now extinct, is often associated with courage, strength, and valor. Christ is termed "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah." The leopard was also once common in the Holy Land. Placing the two animals close together suggests their harmonious existence during the time of Christ.

The Bible in the center of the windows is open to a passage from Matthew 6:19-20, which was selected because it is the appointed Gospel reading for Ash Wednesday.

The winged ox is the symbol for Saint Luke, the patron saint of this church.

Birds are frequently referred to in the Bible, as in the Song of Solomon when they are mentioned as a sign that the winter is past.

The color of Lent is violet, signifying a period of penitence. The different shades of this color in the background of the windows suggest the landscape of the Holy Land.

The Cross Patee is used in the openings. This cross is one of more than fifty decorative forms sometimes used in Christian art.