The North Clerestory Windows: The Liturgy of the Hours
6. None
At the ninth hour the Sacrifice of the Cross was consummated and we consider now the dead Christ. Symbolically, the Cross near the top of the window is draped in white and the body of Christ has been removed. The eye is led from the cross downwards and to the right to the representation of a dark tomb in which Christ (Chi-Rho) is enclosed; from here attention flows to the bottom right-hand corner of the window where Christ’s descent into hell is intimated and the faithful are shown awaiting deliverance.
As Eve was taken from the side of Adam while he slept, so also the Church, the New Eve, was drawn from the pierced side of Christ, the New Adam; our first parents are portrayed in the upper portion of the window to the left of the cross. To the right of the cross, the shell and water recall the saving baptismal waters that gush forth from the side of the Redeemer. Just below, the vine and branches rooted in the rock and topped by the crown of glory suggest both the establishment of the Church upon Peter (“You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church”) and the Kingship of Christ within the Church.
A fiery serpent uncoiling on the left reinforces the idea that it is at this hour, when human spirits tend to lower, that the devil tries even harder to tempt us. Ancient belief held that Adam and Eve were driven from Paradise at the ninth hour; indeed, the number nine itself was considered the number of mouring and thus it dictates the somber atmosphere of this window.
The text “Rerum Deus Tenax Vigor” (O God, upholding strength of creation) forms the intonation of the hymn sung at None. |
