The South Clerestory Windows: The Liturgy of the Mass

6. Consecration

            The consecration is the sacrament renewal of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.  It is only natural, therefore, that the figure of Christ dominates this window.

            The hands of Christ outstretched on the cross, hinted at here by the brownish form behind his head and shoulders, suggest that at this point of the Mass the sacrifice of the cross is consummated.  The triumphal crown resting on Christ’s head tells us that, although our Lord did in fact die on the cross he, by his resurrection, conquered both sin and its punishment, death.

            Superimposed on the figure of Christ is the outline of a fish.  The fish has, from the earliest time of the Church, represented Christ the Savior and his body, which he offered for us.  The eleven circular forms on the fish allude to the eleven faithful apostles and their presence at the institution of the Eucharist.  These forms may also be seen as the scales of the fish, thus, they remind us of the intimate relationship of the apostles with Christ – a relationship that we also share as we become one with Christ at the reception of his body.  Placed at the tail of the fish, but separated from the body, is a twelfth circular form that emphasizes by its position Judas’ treason and separation from Christ.

            Centered at the right-hand side of the fish is a chalice that contains the sacred blood of Christ.  Throughout the Old Testament, blood is often a symbol of life.  At the base of the window can be seen a slain lamb, another reference to the sacrificial nature of Christ’s death.

            The text in the window reminds us again of the body and blood, which Christ gave to his Father in sacrifice and of the same body, and blood, which he gives to us in communion.