Window 3b: Calling the Disciples

In the second panel of Window 3, we see Jesus calling the disciples, telling them "I will make you fishers of men" (Mark 1:17):

 Now as he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.  And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.  And straightway they forsook their nets and followed him.  And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.  And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants and went after him. (Mark 1:16-20).

Window 3b:  "I will make you 
fishers of men" (Mark 1:17)

The event depicted in the image medallion is quite straight-forward:  Jesus stands in the forefront, hand upraised, speaking to two men (presumably Peter and Andrew).  These men are smaller than Jesus and looking up to him, representing the response to Jesus' authority.  In the background is their boat, left behind as they follow Jesus.

The symbol medallion contains the Chi-Rho, an X superimposed on a P, which are the first two letters of "Christ" in Greek.  This symbol is also called a "christogram," or monogram of Christ, and was first used in a Christian context by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century as part of his military standard:  according to Eustabus (an early church father who wrote a biography of Constantine), 

The emperor constantly made use of this sign of salvation as a safeguard against every adverse and hostile power, and commanded that others similar to it should be carried at the head of all his armies (chapter 31).

This military use of the christogram resulted in widespread use across the empire to signify Christ and His presence in our lives.  

Additional interpretations of this symbol include a comparison of the Chi with the X-shaped cross, while Rho looks something like a shepherd's staff.  These possibilities remind us of Christ as both our Savior and our Shepherd.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to leave behind the many things tying us to this world, to follow you just as your disciples chose to do long ago in Galilee.  Like them, may we sense the security of your presence and the grace of your salvation.  Amen.

North Aisle, Window 3:  Jesus' Baptism and Calling the Disciples

 Window Dedication:

In Loving Memory of Anton H. Nelson 
by Mrs. Nelson and Children