The Resurrection of Christ Jesus

Here is the last window in the series on the set of nine stained-glass windows from Saint Francis Xavier Church in Burbank, CA. This next window is The Resurrection. I hope you have enjoyed this series. The text that follows is from a booklet I wrote in 2000 and edited by Jim Fanning. 

The entire Christian life begins and ends with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this image, the Tree of Life sprouts from the leaping waves of water– our new baptismal life. All the sacred images of these windows are rooted in the Resurrection. Jesus’ life continues in us and the Church. The figure of Jesus is Resurrection, but also suggests the Ascension. The outstretched arms of Jesus hint at his death on the cross but are also a gesture of prayer, welcome and embrace, inviting us into eternal life. The entire Paschal Mystery is summed up in this figure of Jesus.

Icon: The empty icon reminds us of our future and the hope of continuing revelation of God. The empty icon is for all of us to fill in! See hope, all future is in the Resurrection promise of Jesus Christ!

The Holy Spirit and Pentecost

Here is the eighth window in the series on the set of nine stained-glass windows from Saint Francis Xavier Church in Burbank, CA. This next window is The Holy Spirit and Pentecost. I hope you enjoy the series. The text that follows is from a booklet I wrote in 2000 and edited by Jim Fanning. 

The sacred images in stained glass are not only about the past. The Holy Spirit is present in us and the Church today and tomorrow. This Pentecost image reveals God’s animation of the Christian people. The Church in great diversity comes together through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The fire and dove unites the people in conversation and prayer. The Spirit is invisible but gives life if we know it or not, signified by children looking away.

These icons are taken from Sacred Scripture, Revelation 5. “The Lamb that was sacrificed is worthy to be given power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing.”

Icons: Upper Left: The hand showers blessings.  Upper Right: Crown of glory and lamp of wisdom.  Lower Left: Hands of blessing and laurel wreath of honor. Lower Right: Sacrificial lamb; chair and scepter of power and strength.

Oral Tradition: Dark water: Notice the “dark” water in the blue waters of baptism on each window. This is to suggest sin and division in the human experience of being Church. Sin is washed away in baptism. Ferris wheel: One of the ways the parish community of St. Francis Xavier has expressed unity, fun, common work and energy, has been through the annual Old Tyme Country Faire. Our faith community is alive in God. Lance and shield: The parish school and its active role in the faith community is symbolized by these signs of faith and strength, indicative of the school nickname and sports team title, The Lancers. Oil lamp and book: The burning flame and book of Scriptures symbolizes the divine inspiration and preached and proclaimed faith of the parish.

Mary and Jesus

Here is the seventh window in the series on the set of nine stained-glass windows from Saint Francis Xavier Church in Burbank, CA. This next window is Mary and Jesus. I hope you enjoy the series. The text that follows is from a booklet I wrote in 2000 and edited by Jim Fanning. 

In this contemporary and compassionate image of Jesus and Mary, we have spiritual access into their relationship as mother and child. Notice Mary’s hand extended to suggest our invitation into her love and compassion. The gesture of her hand also patterns the cross to tell us the reason we remember Mary and the other saints–the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. The child’s foot is beginning to move away from the relationship, indicating the life and ministry of Jesus that was yet to come.

There are many images of Mary. Each culture has special symbols important to many people. These images speak to us at various times in our own lives depending on our emotions and needs.

Icons: Upper Left: The Immaculate Heart of Mary speaks of her compassion toward us. Upper Right: Mary, Queen of Heaven, the first person to receive the promises of the Risen Christ, an eternal home. Lower Left: Mary, the Mother of God. The birth of Jesus offers compassion and hope to all parents. Lower Right: Mary, Mother of Sorrows, the Pieta, speaks of human suffering, grief and loss. Images of Mary speak to all our human emotions.