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A Theological Reflection
Looking into the Light
- The Iconography of The Eucharist Magnificat Window
Central Figure: Christ, the eternal high priest, holding in offering the chalice and bread. He is garbed in rich vestments and is surrounded by four of the apostles. At the Last Supper with His apostles, Jesus celebrated the Jewish feast of the Passover – which refers to the religious celebration commemorating God’s deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. Jesus transforms this celebration and establishes the Eucharist as deliverance from sin. His body is the bread offered in sacrifice, He is now the new lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
Top Left: Melchizedek and Abraham, dressed in armor with a sword and cape, are before the altar at Salem. Melchizedek holds a ewer of wine while Abraham carries a loaf of bread.
“You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek,” (Psalms 110:4). Melchizedek was the king of Salem, and a prophet who lived in the time of Abraham. Christ, who fulfills the prophecy, resembles Melchizedek in that both are kings, both offer bread and wine to God, and both receive their priesthood directly from God.
Center Left: Jesus is seated with His arm around a boy presented by Andrew, who has just brought to the Lord his basket of loaves and fishes.
The miraculous multiplication of the loaves and fishes and the feeding of the multitude establish the Eucharist theme.
Bottom Left: Ordination of a priest by a bishop. Through ordination the church preserves the gift of God – The Eucharist.
Bottom Center: A contemporary priest elevates the host at mass with people of various ethnic backgrounds gathered around the altar.
Bottom right: St. Pope Pius X, known as the Pope of the Eucharist, elevates the host and chalice. He promoted frequent communion.
Center Right: Jesus breaks bread at Emmaus, while two of His disciples watch in amazement, recognizing their Risen Lord. They met him on the road, a stranger, and invited him to stay with them. In return for their hospitality, Jesus reveals himself at the Breaking of Bread.
Top Right: Children of Israel gather manna in the wilderness. A man holds up his hands in praise.
Jesus refers to this event when he speaks the words of eternal life. “Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever,” (John 6:50-51).
Iconography recorded by Catherine Davies, BA
Director of Museums
The National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe
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