Window 7b: The Prodigal Son

Jesus tells The Parable of the Prodigal Son in response to criticism that he meets with and eats with sinners, to illustrate the joy in heaven when a sinner repents.  A certain man, he says, divided his wealth between his two sons; the older stayed at home, but the younger left home and spent his money lavishly.  When he had spent it all, he had to take a job feeding pigs, and he realized that his father's servants lived better than he.  So he returned home, ready to abase himself and ask for a job as a servant.

But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him....and said to his servants, bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  and bring hither the fatted calf and kill it; and let us eat and be merry:  For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.  (Luke 15: 20, 22-24)

 

Window 7b:  "My son was dead and
 is alive again" (Luke 15:24)

The image medallion in Window 7b shows us the meeting of the father with his younger, spendthrift son.  Behind him the door to the home is open, signifying his welcome and perhaps his father's rush to greet him; above the son's head is an animal -- perhaps the "fatted calf" that will be killed for the celebration.  So will the repenting sinner be welcomed home to God's house.

The symbol medallion holds "The Fountain of Salvation," according to the September 1948 Dedication bulletin.  I have only found "fountain of life" icons in my searches so far, which seem quite similar in terms of concept, since the new life we receive through Christ is synonymous with salvation.  

The authors of "Fountain of Life Iconography" indicate that there are no uniform image types for this concept.  However, the concept itself emerges from ideas central to baptism (renewal, rebirth) and the shedding of Christ's blood, which washes away sin and makes us acceptable in God's sight.

The connection between the symbol and the story, then, is about salvation, which is possible through Christ's blood and our willingness to repent and return to grace.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the assurance that we are never far from the fountain of life and the peace that comes when we are in right relationship with you.  Help us, like the prodigal son, to humble ourselves and return to you.  Amen.

South Aisle, Window 7:  The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son

Window Dedication:

In loving memory of my husband Rudolf Giselius
Given by Ragna Giselius