Written By: Dave Rempel
Sixteen stained glass windows adorn the sides of the worship space at Ascension. Inspiration for the windows was taken from the fact that in Europe long ago, the faithful would learn the Bible from stories depicted in windows. It was intended that Ascension’s windows could be similarly educational. What follows is a meditation on one of the 16 windows. Look for additional reflections in future editions of the bulletin or on this Parish Blog.
Elijah in his Chariot
A flaming chariot and flaming horses came between them and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. (2 Kings 2:11)
Although his story is not as well known, Elijah was perhaps the greatest Old Testament prophet, and he is directly linked to the Messiah. For instance, both he and Jesus resurrected deceased sons of widows. The book of Malachi states that Elijah would appear again to herald the coming of the Lord.
His status among the prophets is confirmed by his appearance with Moses at Jesus’s transfiguration, and the effect of the bright flames depicted in this window recalls Jesus’s dazzling white appearance on the mountaintop. On their descent, the apostles asked Jesus about the coming of Elijah, and Jesus indicated that Elijah had already come in the person of John the Baptist, while noting that He would suffer as Elijah did at the hands of the people.
Elijah is also recalled at the crucifixion, as onlookers wonder whether Jesus’s cry to His Father is actually directed to the prophet (the confusion arises because “Elijah” means “The Lord is my God”).
Finally, this scene is most appropriately included in our church because Elijah’s journey to heaven also prefigures Jesus’s own ascension (shown in the large windows behind the altar). Just as Jesus left His Church in the hands of his apostles, Elijah entrusted his mission of prophecy to his anointed successor, Elisha, who also appears in this window. I am reminded by this representation that I am a successor to Jesus, called upon to continue His mission on earth.