In the magnificent cathedral dedicated to Notre Dame, Our Lady, in Chartres are some of the finest stained-glass windows in existence and the most complete group of windows surviving from the Middle Ages.
The cathedral has more than 150 windows dating to the mid-12th century. On our Bayard pilgrimage this summer, we had a very brief time to explore the cathedral, and the windows held me spellbound.
The images below the South Rose window truly delighted me.The rose window itself, of course, is incredible. Beneath it, though, are five lancet windows—vertical shafts that explode with color. The central window features Mary holding the infant Child Jesus. They are flanked by four windows, two on each side. In each of these windows, prophets from the Hebrew Scriptures carry on their shoulders the four Gospel writers: (left to right) Jeremiah and St. Luke, Isaiah and St. Matthew, Ezekiel and St. John, and Daniel and St. Mark.
This is where the phrase “standing on the shoulders of giants” originated, I’ve been told. As we reflect on all the saints and the souls who have gone before us in November, it’s a great opportunity to be filled with gratitude for the faithful witness they’ve given to us.
I’m not just referring to the prophets and evangelists we all know and revere. I think of my parents, my grandparents, my dear aunt Juli and so many mentors I’ve had in my life: people who were my informal spiritual directors and patrons, who challenged me and comforted me. Their joy, courage and persistence in their living faith have put me on a “higher plane,” just as the evangelists in the Chartres windows could see further because they rested on the shoulders of the prophets in their faith tradition.
The prayer in Living with Christ for Nov. 1 says it all:
We thank you, O God, for the saints of all ages; for those who in times of darkness kept the lamp of faith burning; for the great souls who saw visions of larger truth and dared to declare it; for the multitude of quiet and gracious souls whose presence has purified and sanctified the world; and for those known and loved by us, who have passed from this earthly fellowship into the fuller light of life with you, where you live and reign, Father Son, and Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.
In gratitude,
Helen Osman
President, Living Faith Foundation
