The Crucifixion in the window over the St. Gabriel Altar is one of the most powerful images in the church. The symbolism and colors characteristic of Christian art and iconography feature prominently in this window and can lead us into deeper levels of reflection and prayer. The Sixth Station of the Cross, Veronica wipes the face of Jesus, is also illustrated.

Hand positions are important in iconography and that is true in many of the windows in the church. Here, Jesus’ agony is expressed by his hands, pierced by the nails and contorted in pain, but open, in acceptance of the suffering. The fourth and fifth fingers of his right hand attempt to curl under while the other three are extended. This is the hand position of many images of Jesus in the windows. The three fingers symbolize the Trinity, for Jesus is the second Person of the Blessed Trinity, fully divine. The two symbolize his human and divine natures united in His person and His  Body. The blood, poured out for our salvation from His hands, pierced side, and feet is being collected in chalices, reminding us that it is the Body and Blood of our Savior that we receive in the Holy Eucharist at Mass.

The crown of thorns on Jesus’ head extends upward on both sides, encircling the Holy Spirit and the right hand of God the Father, which is extended toward His suffering Son. The fingers of the Father’s hand also reaffirm that this is His beloved Son, who took on our humanity to experience our frailty. The Holy Trinity was present in this moment of Jesus perfect obedience to the will of His Father for our salvation.

A prominent feature of the image is the mandorla behind Jesus, an oval shape representing a seed or womb. In Christian art it represents the new life, the transformed life, of the Resurrection. The mandorla is blue, a color symbolizing divinity, spiritual love, and faithfulness. The cross is also blue. The Roman instrument of torture is transformed into a sign of victory over sin and death by the work of God.

In the scene of Veronica wiping the face of Jesus, we see Jesus dressed in blue, again reminding us that He is truly human and truly divine. Veronica’s gown is green, a symbol of life and hope. In her act of selfless love, she shows us how compassion and service to one who is suffering bring hope to a broken world. The Passionists, who founded St. Joseph’s Monastery, have a special love for those who suffer, and the Passion Play which many Passionist parishes put on during Lent, was called Veronica’s Veil.

Red is a color symbolizing blood, life, and sacrifice. It frames the images in the window reminding us of the divine life poured out that our sins might be forgiven. A golden shaft of light extends from the Father’s hand at the top of the cross, emerging from behind the feet of Jesus and blending into the red. God is with us in our suffering; we can unite our suffering with the sacrifice of Jesus.

We also see the crosses of the two criminals crucified with Jesus. Superimposed upon them are the Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Jesus is identified as the Alpha and Omega in the book of Revelation indicating His eternity. Their position upon the crosses of the criminals suggests that no matter to what depths we fall, Jesus offers us salvation.

What comes to your mind as you reflect on this image of the crucified Savior? What details in this window speak to your heart? On this Good Friday, may we remember that Jesus knows what we suffer. He was fully human, too. May we ask God to draw us more deeply into Christ’s love for us. May we experience transformation as we immerse ourselves in His suffering, death and resurrection. May we experience the victory of the cross in our lives.