The North Clerestory Windows: The Liturgy of the Hours
7. Vespers
Vespers, the hour of thanksgiving, is climaxed by the singing of the Magnificat, Mary’s exultant canticle of praise and gratitude. The inclusion of this hymn in this, one of the most ancient of the canonical hours, is but one of the many proofs of the devotion that the Church has always paid to the Mother of God.
Mary is suggested by the form of a large lily in the center of the window and thoughts from her Magnificat are presented symbolically within the outline of this lily. The Magnificat is an ecstatic song of praise given to God by Mary in thanksgiving for the honor bestowed upon her (the Chi-Rho, upper right); for the mercies shown to Israel (the star of David, upper left); and for the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham (large, red surrounded by many smaller ones - “Look up to heaven and number the stars…so shall your seed be…” (Gen. 15:5). Further thoughts are found toward the outer edge of the lily: the foot of the Virgin crushing the serpent’s head, “He has deposed the mighty…raised the lowly”; the wheat, “He has filled the hungry with good things”; the clouds and bolt of lightning, “He has shown might with his arm.”
Distributed throughout the window, both above and below the lily, there are seven crescent-shaped forms. Each of these forms commemorates one of the hymns sung at Vespers during the week; these hymns have as their theme the Days of Creation. The series begins at the very top with Sunday’s hymn and ends with Saturday’s hymn at the base of the window: (1) black and white forms – creation of light; (2) dry land and the sea – separation of earth and waters; (3) foliage – creation of plant life; (4) heavenly bodies - sun, moon and stars; (5) fish in the sea – aquatic life; (6) two beasts – animal life; (7) God’s rest – the Trinity: the flame, triangle and Chi-Rho.
The text “Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum,” the opening verse of the Magnificat, is translated “My soul glorifies the Lord.” |
