THE GOSPEL WINDOWS
The four windows of the Chapel of Grace nave depict scenes from the life, ministry and teaching of Jesus Christ as recorded by the four evangelists, with their specific thematic emphases. In the base of each window are words of Jesus summarizing the window theme. Symbols of the evangelists are in the top quatrefoils, with their emblems in the paired lancet tops. Christ is recognizable throughout by his three-rayed halo (tri-nimbus) as the Son in the Holy Trinity and (in most images) his ruby red cloak and aqua blue robe.

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SAINT MATTHEW WINDOW

The first window (near chapel entrance), like the gospel, features Jesus's ministry and the calling of his disciples. The small medallions show Jesus representing the eight Beatitudes ("Blessed are the ...") (Matthew V:3-10). The diagonal lattice has "knots" displaying tiny budded crosses. On the background are five-pointed stars flanking the large medallions and four versions of crowns flanking the small medallions The stars are symbolic of the epiphany and the crowns are symbolic of Christ as king. Angels shown are seraphim (red wings) or cherubim (blue wings). Censing angels and flames of divine inspiration are in the top side lancet segments. The grapevine borders are symbolic of Christ's life-giving sacrifice and the living church ("I am the vine, ye are the branches." John XV.5). The window is signed at bottom right (not visible in image). Small medallions show Christ in scriptural scenes exemplifying the Beatitudes in his Sermon on the Mount each with the word "Beati"(Latin-"Blessed"). The medallions lack scriptural phrases and references.


Medallion 5 Medallion 1 Medallion D Medallion A Medallion 6 Medallion 2 Medallion E Medallion B Medallion 7 Medallion 3 Medallion F Medallion C Medallion 8 Medallion 4 Right Trefoil Left Trefoil Quatrefoil