6  Triumphal Entry

This window starts the Passion story.  The design of the windows changes somewhat, and the narrow border down the sides changes from blue to purple or rose.  The inner border changes from red to pale gold with red.  Also the background of the lower windows changes from golden grisaille to a bright, deep blue.  The changes all make for a darker, more somber coloring.

The first window of the Passion series shows the Palm Sunday procession with people strewing palm branches before Jesus, who was seated on a donkey. (Mark 11:7-10)  There were lots of children around—probably all shouting Hosanna at the top of their voices. Palms then, as now, indicate victory and rejoicing.  The arch in the city wall frames Jesus’ head, giving him a modified halo.  As the world saw it, this was the peak of Jesus’ ministry, even though their Messiah came seated on a donkey rather than on the expected stallion. 

Jesus’ momentary power is represented above by the crown (again) and laurel, the symbol of the victor.  Below, in the sun, is the ΙΗC, except that this time the sigma has been transliterated as a C rather than the more common S.  Still, it is the same thing as in Window 3.

The Last Supper

Jesus is shown blessing the cup, in the institution of the Lord’s Supper, or the Communion Service familiar today. (Matthew 26:26-29)  The disciple with the bald head next to Jesus likely is Peter.  Judas is wearing a brown hood on his head and is on the near side of the table. 

The grapes and wheat above clearly refer to the elements of the Lord’s Supper.  The Ewer, basin and towel below refer to the story in John of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, that is, taking the role of a servant. (John 13:1-11)  The rooster above refers to Peter’s nemesis.  “Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” (Mark 14:30)

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