The Finding of Jesus in the Temple

 

 

     This Christian stained glass graphic window is centered on the finding of Jesus in the Temple. This event is recorded in Luke 1: 41-52.  This event presents Jesus as a faithful twelve-year-old Jewish boy, raised in the traditions of Israel and fulfilling all that the Law required. In this event JesusÕ first words are recorded; ÒWhy were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be about my FatherÕs work?  In these words Jesus refers to God as his Father. His divine sonship, and his obedience to his heavenly FatherÕs will, takes precedence over his ties to his family. This precedence did not deny the fourth commandment. Jesus simply stated that God must be first in our lives.  Luke for a second time notes that Mary kept all these things in her heart. Following her example, we also should meditate on the events in our lives and in the life of Jesus in order see GodÕs providence, admonishments and love. This event is the fifth joyful mystery in the rosary.

 

       Just below the scene of the Finding of Jesus in the Temple is an oval that contains an ancient symbol of Mary. Mary is a central figure that bridges the old and the new testament as symbolized by the menorah and the cross on either side of the her symbol.  On the edge of the window are twenty small bright blue circles that represent the twenty mysteries of the rosary, which is a contemplative prayer on the life of Jesus and Mary while on earth and their glory now in heaven. In between the rosary mysteries are twenty diamond like (red-orange-yellow) shapes the represent the angels assigned to Mary as Queen of the Angles.  Above the Holy Spirit in the edge of the window are seven winged (red-orange-yellow) shapes that represent the seven Spirits (angels) who surround the throne of God, that are mention several times in the book of Revelations