Chapel Window 9—Christ in the Garden
This week, for Windows Wednesday, we are examining Chapel Window 9—Christ in the Garden. The top of the window shows verdant hills and mountains, representing the fruitful earth. Below that, we see Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. Below, Peter, James, and John are failing to honor His request to stay awake. This scene is represented in all the canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), and is a profoundly moving testament to the steadfast love of Christ, even when humankind isn’t answering His call. The bottom area of the window is blocked by pews and so is a continuation of the colorful background design. The artist’s design for this window unfortunately has been lost.
“They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here while I pray.’ He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them, ‘I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.’ And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said, ‘Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.’ He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him. He came a third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.'” Mark 14:32–42
