The Chartres Labyrinth and Mary (16) A Sculpture Adorning the Organ

Changing where I look changes what I find. While walking labyrinth path in Chartres by watching the floor, I would never image that this sculpture of Mary holding Jesus is “watching over me” from above.

My prayer

Unseen God, help me to remember that just because You are not visible, that doesn’t mean You aren’t there!

Biblical touchstone

As it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:9-13 (NRSV)

Invitation to prayer

With you eyes open, try to “see” how God is with you. When you have made that connection, pray the prayers that are emerging in your heart, mind, body, and imagination.

Photos and placement of this image of Mary and Jesus in relationship to the labyrinth

Mary Holding Jesus, Organ
Mary holding Jesus on in the middle of the fifteenth century organ in the Chartres Cathedral. The sculpture is visible from the labyrinth when the walker looks up towards the organ.

View of labyrinth from above (south)
Labyrinth as seen from the organ loft near the statue of Mary.

 

Related Posts: Other Images of Mary Visible from the Labyrinth in the Chartres Cathedral

To the east of the labyrinth:
The apsidal image of Mary as a throne for Jesus who is sitting on her lap blessing on the top of the East central window (above the choir).
The Annunciation of Jesus’ birth to Mary in the East central window (above the choir).
The Visitation of Mary and her cousin Elizabeth in the East central window (above the choir).

To the west of the labyrinth:
Mary in the Tree of Jesse (Ancestors of Jesus). Twelfth century window (1140-1150) on the north side of the west wall.

The Annunciation in The Life of Christ Window. Twelfth century window (1145-1155), the central window on the west wall.
The Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth in the Life of Christ Window.
The Nativity: Mary, Jesus and Joseph in the Life of Christ Window.
The Kings Visit Jesus and Mary in the life of Christ Window.
The Flight Into Egypt: Mary, Jesus and Joseph in the Life of Christ Window
The Return from Egypt: The Holy Family in the Life of Christ Window
Jesus blessing while sitting on Mary’s Lap in the Life of Christ Window

Mary standing below the cross of Jesus in the Passion and Resurrection Window (1145-1155), on the south side of the west wall.
Mary holding Jesus’ hands as his body is taken off the cross in the Passion and Resurrection Window.
Mary watching the anointing and entombment of Jesus in the Passion and Resurrection Window.

To the south of the labyrinth:

Nursing Mary and Jesus in a clerestory window (1205-1215) above the labyrinth.

 

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