Window 8

In the triad of windows at the south side front, the one on the right illustrates the Gospel in John 10:11-18 for the fourth Sunday in Easter called Good Shepherd Sunday.  Shown are a cross, to its right a Rho (P) together with a Chi (X) in the form of crossed keys inscribed with the IHS, monogram of Jesus.  At the bottom of the window a hand cradles two sheep.  It also holds the crook or staff of a shepherd.  He uses the crook to bring another sheep from the fields to the security of his hand.

The well known Gospel  begins with Jesus’ announcement that he is the good shepherd.  His goodness has gone so far, he says, that he died for his sheep (cross).  The gift of that death is the forgiveness of sins (crossed keys) which open the gate to penitent believers.

His sheep, Jesus says, are secure in his hands.  He knows them and they know him.  But there are other sheep not yet in his sheepfold.  “Them also,” he declares “I must bring (shepherd’s staff), and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”