The Chartres Labyrinth and Mary (20) Glorification of Mary Window

Being with God involves complete vulnerability and acceptance. As I walk the Chartres labyrinth I look at Jesus holding Mary’s soul and I am reminded that God respects me (Jesus holds Mary in his cloak–in the middle ages one did not touch things considered holy with bare hands) and blesses me (Jesus’ right hand) just as I am (Mary is small and naked).

My prayer

Jesus, like Mary, finding myself in Your presence, I long to see You more clearly, and worship You.

 

Biblical touchstone

 Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord…” Luke 1:46 (NRSV)

Invitation to prayer

Imagine yourself in Mary’s place. Sense what it is like to be held and blessed by God in a close and personal way. What prayers are emerging in your heart, mind, body, and imagination? Pray them now.

Photo and placement of this image in relationship to the labyrinth
Mary’s soul being received by God in the window dedicated to Mary’s death and glorification. Two angels witness the scene, one with open hands and one with hands in a prayer position. This image is in center of the window, in the third medallion from the bottom.

 

This thirteenth century window (1205-1215) is found in the south aisle of the Chartres Cathedral. It is the fourth window from the west wall, the window on the far left in the photograph below.

 

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.
Mary holding Jesus, a sculpture on the fifteenth century organ above the south nave.
The symbolic “shirt of Mary” on the Bishop’s pulpit (south side of the nave) above the labyrinth.
The flight from Israel to Egypt in the St. John window in the south aisle.

Mary’s death as witnessed by the mourning disciples. The death and glorification of Mary window (1205-1215) in the south aisle.