The window above the choir loft is meant to direct the whole assembly toward the Parousia, that is, the second coming of our Lord. The splendid azure color of the window is evocative of the heavens. In the Book of Revelation 21:1, we read: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” In the center of the window, we find a throne set upon a ruby and emerald base. The precious stones recall the description of the new and heavenly Jerusalem found in Revelation: “Around the throne was a halo as brilliant as an emerald” (Rv. 4:3). And, the triangular base upon which the throne sits speaks of the Trinity at work. The Book of Life rests on the seat of the throne. On this throne, Christ will judge the living and the dead. As we read in Revelation 20:15: “anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of Life was thrown into the pool of fire.” On the other hand, to those whose names are written in the Book of Life, we hear our Lord proclaim: “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people. …and there will be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away” (Rv. 21:3b, 4b).
To the right of the throne, emblazoned against the eternal sky, is the triumphal cross of Jesus bejeweled with five rubies representing his five wounds. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the apostles that in the last days “the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky” (24:30). Notice the green color of the cross; it might strike you as odd. But, we’ve already seen in the last two windows on the eastern side of the church that Jesus was crucified on a green cross and the priest celebrates Mass with a green cross in the background. The green cross is symbolic of the new life the crucified Christ offers his faithful.
The Holy Spirit streaks above the throne, surrounded by a red, scarf-like band that portrays the speed of his coming. A curved red and blue line snakes below the Holy Spirit representing the passage of time into eternity. The stars which follow the line of time are the saints who “lead many to justice” and who “shall be like the stars forever” (Daniel 12:3). The seven flaming torches burning around the throne are the “seven spirits of God” (Rv. 4:5). The inscription, “Come, Lord Jesus!” is a liturgical prayer from the early Church in expectation of the second coming of the Lord. These are the last words of sacred scripture and conclude the Book of Revelation.