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Baker Photographybr>
Hamilton, OH |
This is the third window on your right as
you come in the back of church. |
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Meaning: “SAINT PETER" in the upper, corbelled portions of the window (easiest to see from across the church in the far (north) aisle) identifies the window's subject.
Above Peter's head the hand of the Father blesses and shows the divine source of Peter's authority, given by the Father to Jesus (Matt 28:18) and entrusted by Jesus to Peter (Matt 16:16). Peter heard the voice of the Father at Jesus' Transfiguration (Matt 17:5-6; 2 Pt 1:17-18), which artistically is often symbolized by this same image, as in the baptism of Jesus.
Along side St. Peter’s head are some plant leaves: ivy, always green even in winter, represents eternal life (El Greco also places it above St. Peter's head in his portrayal of the penitent Apostle). Oak, because of it's hearty nature, is a symbol of strength and endurance of Peter’s faith despite his occasional weakness.
Peter, shown haloed, bald, and bearded, holds up one key by its shaft in his left hand reaching across his chest; the other key he holds by his right hand. These keys, traditionally portrayed in gold and silver (cfr Milton's "two massy keys … of metals twain") represent the duplex authority of binding and loosing on earth and in heaven, entrusted to Peter by Jesus (again Matt 16).
Framed by the keys, to the left one sees several fishes of various sizes, some clearly in the water - note the "wavy" leading of the window in this area. Below that is a stylized boat with full sail.
Images of a boat and assorted fish don't surprise us fish in a "St. Peter window", of course. Peter, a fisherman when he met Jesus (Matt 4:18), often encounters the Lord around water, in boats, and fish often figure in the scene (Matt 4:18-23; Matt 14:13-34; Mark 5:1; Luke 5; John 6; John 21). But each of these has more than deeper-than-literal meanings.
The Church is often portrayed as Peter’s boat, rocked on the stormy sea of earthly turmoil. However, security and hope are present in the 3 anchors (representing the Trinity or the Theological Virtues?). One can consider comparing this to Noah’s ark, as well.
The fishes also have multiple and intersecting layers of symbolic meaning. They live in water; the Christian is born spiritually in Baptism. But Christians are also mystically saved by being caught as little fishes in the net of Jesus' Fisher of men (Matt 4:18, see also Jeremiah 16:16). In fact, the "wavy" window leading may indeed represent Peter's net in the water.
At the bottom of the window are the loaves and fishes of the Gospel (Matt 14 // Mk 6 // Lk 9 // Jn 6), along with, opposite the anchors, grape clusters "dropping" into a chalice. This shows the sacramental life of the Church. The baptized are nourished the Eucharist by the risen Jesus, the "Fish of the living" (note the air bubbles coming from the fish’ mouth; cfr Tertullian, Augustine and other Church Fathers): note the distinctive halo of Christ around the fish, and the identifying chi-rho). Peter fulfills Christ’s command to baptize all the nations (Matt 28:19) and to renew His sacrifice in memory of Him (I Corinthians 11:23-26).
Peter, then, is shown in this veritable catechism as the bridge-maker (pontifex) between Heaven and Earth, as Christ’s Vicar who leads the believer through troubles to the Father, anchoring the Church’s virtue in her sacraments.
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