Window 13

In the group of three windows on the north side at the front, the left window illustrates the Gospel  in Luke 5:1-11.  It is the story of Peter’s marvelous catch of fish and the calling of the first disciples.  The pictured ship is equipped with a Chi Rho mast that supports the sail.  On both sides of the net, fish are about to be caught.  At window’s top are crossed keys, at the bottom a fish entwining an anchor.

In the window’s story, a net has been let down from Peter’s ship to catch the fish swimming toward the net.  The Chi Rho mast with sail identifies the Christ whose powerful word resulted in Peter’s catching so many fish.  The miracle overwhelmed Peter with such a deep feeling of his unworthiness in the presence of this mighty Lord that he asked Jesus to leave.  Thereupon Jesus told Peter not to be afraid.  In the future, he and his companions will be fishers of men. Their net will be the Gospel of Jesus the Savior of sinners.  Two blessings for everyone caught in this net are forgiveness of sins (crossed keys) and a secure hope (anchor) of belonging to Jesus forever (fish).  The fish was a secret mark of identification used by persecuted Christians in the early church.  Christian hope rests entirely on Jesus.