There is great strength in this chancel window in Howes Chapel. Filled predominately with blue and red, it speaks to the church and the world through six primary theological foci. The four small panels, which we have already seen during this Lenten journey, call us to live out our faith in four ways:
- Baptism
- Annunciation or discerning the voice of the Holy
- Our life in Prayer
- Eucharist.
These four spiritual practices surround the heart of the Christian Faith which are in the center panel: (5) Obedience to God’s Will, and (6) Resurrection.
The Center bottom panel is titled “Not My Will, But Thine Be Done” and here we see in the work of the artist, the Cup, which Jesus will accept as he prays his way into God’s will. For all of us it is the same: We will all kneel in Gethsemane during our life and look for the angel who holds the Cup which God offers us.
The Top Center panel is titled, “The Word Fulfilled.” Here we see the defeated soldiers exhausted at the pierced feet of the Risen Christ. Angels surround the victorious Christ to announce to the world that death does not have the final word. In fact, the Word has the final word; and it is all fulfilled in him. During this last week of Lent as we move into Holy Week, we will focus on these two center panels. Looking through these wonderful center windows, Garrett-Evangelical affirms to the world, the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ for bringing about change in the personal and corporate dimensions of life. We also affirm the power of fervent prayer that seeks the Cup which God holds out to the world.
Pray with us, for a world that can be transformed through Jesus Christ.
Almighty and everlasting God, it is your will to restore all things to Christ, whom you have anointed priest for ever and ruler of creation. Grant that all the people of the earth now divided by the power of sin, may be united under the glorious and gentle rule of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen. United Methodist Hymnal, # 721.
By Al Caldwell, Retired Faculty, editor
