Symbols of God’s Creation at St. Thomas
As we enter the sanctuary at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, we are greeted with many symbols in the beautiful art and architecture. Do we take time to reflect on these to enhance our worship experience? Among the art we encounter are many symbols of God’s gifts of creation.
The beautiful Risen Christ Cross is likely the first thing we notice as we enter the Church. This, of course, depicts the greatest of all gifts … God’s son who died for us and rose from the dead to new life. Images on the left, top and right of the cross symbolize the six days of creation and as stated in John 1:3 “All things were made by God.”
Looking to the stained-glass windows, one is drawn to the Baptism Window which features the blue living waters of baptism and flowers that remind us that we bloom and flourish through the waters of Baptism and the continuous outpouring of God’s Spirit upon us. The Chapel Window depicts Jesus contemplating the grandeur and beauty of creation. God is revealed to us in many ways: in the beauty of trees and flowers, in the majestic flight of Canadian geese, in the magnificence of the ocean or a peaceful lake at sunset. Finally, as we exit the sanctuary, we encounter the Rose Window above the main doors. The Rose Window is a symbol of Christ rising in the east. Thus, the window faces the northeast and will catch the light of the morning star (the sun) which is an ancient term for Christ. Each time we look at this window we are reminded that God should be the light of our lives and that we are responsible to care for God’s gifts.
The above descriptions and additional information on the art and architecture of St. Thomas can be found in The Art and Appointments of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. To view a copy, please click here.
