North Aisle Clerestory: The Story of Salvation
As already shown in the tympanum, Christ is the theme that unifies the nave. On the north side
(to your left facing the altar) are windows dedicated to the life of Christ, culminating
in the Great North Window of martyrdom. On the south side (to your right) are windows
dedicated to the teachings of Christ, building up to the Great South Window of truth.
Both the witness unto death (martyrdom) and the struggle against error (truth) are
temporal concerns and consequently occupy the transepts, whereas the eternal realities
of God’s love and presence occupy the Great East and West Windows of the more dominant nave.
The Chapel windows should be read as if one were reading a book. (Binoculars are
a great help!) Start at the upper left and move right, returning to the left when you complete a "line."
In the upper left hand corner (northwest) one sees Adam and
Eve flanking a tree, around which is wrapped an odd looking serpent. Here the
problem of evil is again addressed, offering the explanation of human free will.
Moving right along the upper clerestory, one reads the story of salvation:
God’s Righteousness (Abel, Noah, Abraham, Melchizedek, Job) shows that even after the Fall, seeking the path of justice is possible.
God’s Law and Wisdom (Jacob, Aaron, Moses, Samuel, Solomon) present exemplars of those two indispensable aids when pursuing righteousness in an imperfect world.
Yahweh, the Lord of Hosts (Joshua, Gideon, David, Samson, Saul) shows that the power of God is still present despite human disobedience.
God’s Prophets of Judgment (Nathan, Elijah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, Jonah) show those who brought words of judgment, reminding us that religion is more than a mere support of the status quo.
God’s Prophets of the Messiah (Hosea, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Daniel, John the Baptist) each hold in their hands their respective prophecies of Christ.
