Window 5b: The Transfiguration

The second panel of Window 5 illustrates the transfiguration, as described in Mark 9:2-4: 

And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves:  and he was transfigured before them.  And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.  And there appeared unto them Elijah with Moses:  and they were talking with Jesus.

Window 5b:  "He was transfigured
before them" (Mark 9:2)

 In the image medallion, Christ, larger and higher than the others, appears in white, surrounded by gold rays to signify the shining of his clothing in transfiguration.  

The three disciples, Peter, James, and John, stand on the left, looking up at him.  On the right are Moses and Elijah.  Moses is holding the tablets of the law, while Elijah, who represents the prophets has his hands raised before his breast in prayer.  All five men are of similar height and color, suggesting they are relatively equal in importance.  Note that the Old Testament figures wear slightly different halos (see "A Few Notes about Halos" for more information).

In this way, we are able to visualize Christ as the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah), as He himself indicated in Matthew 5:17 (Window 5a).  He is similar to both Moses and Elijah, but greater.

The image in the symbol medallion is the five-pointed star of Epiphany which revealed the infant Christ to the Wise Men, and here provides a similar revelation to the three disciples, for they hear "a voice [coming] out of the cloud saying, This is my beloved son:  hear him" Mark 9:7b.

The disciples, therefore,  have a moment of realization, recognizing who Christ truly is and how he relates to leaders and prophets who preceded him.  It is a moment to sustain them, and us today, at times when our faith stumbles and we feel overwhelmed.

Prayer:

Thank you, Father, for the gift of your Son, and for this revelation to the disciples that helps clarify Christ's position as a fulfillment of Old Testament law and prophecy.  Amen.

 

North Aisle, Window 5:  Sermon on the Mount; Transfiguration

Window Dedication:

Given by Mrs. H. Frostad in 
loving memory of her husband Henry Frosted