Chartres

This 13th century window from Chartres Cathedral depicts the Easter mysteries. In the left panel, the Risen Lord appears to the apostles and St Thomas in particular on the Second Sunday of Easter. In the middle panel, the Lord ascends into heaven – heaven breaks open with wavy clouds, and Christ’s feet are seen disappearing into the top panel which is heaven itself where Christ is seated in majesty. His right hand is raised in blessing, and his left hand holds the globe, representing all creation, which is marked with the Alpha and Omega. As such, we’re reminded that Christ is the universal king who rules all creation and all time, and his Ascension into heaven is a promise of the blessed renewal of the cosmos. Finally, the right panel shows the dove-like Holy Spirit descending as streams of red fire on the apostles; the renewal of God’s creation begins with the renewal of our hearts through grace and charity, signified by the fire and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Church. 

Thus, this window depicts the whole Easter Season, from Easter until Pentecost. It also reminds us in these nine days between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost Sunday (starting this Friday) to pray a Novena for the Holy Spirit to come and renew our lives and the whole world. And it looks to the future glory promised by the Ascension for Christ ascends as king of heaven and earth, and promises to return in glory to perfect and complete God’s sin-fallen and wounded creation.  

Come, O Holy Spirit, and renew the face of the earth! Maranatha!