This modern (1927) image of Mary and Jesus, based on the statue of Mary in the crypt (Notre Dame Sous Terre), asks the viewer to consider the value of looking to the past (Mary with her eyes closed) and to the future (Jesus with his eyes open, looking straight ahead). As I walk the labyrinth it also reminds me to gaze within while also seeing what is right in front of me.
My prayer
For equilibrium, O God, I pray. Help me to look deep inside and all around me. Help me to understand the importance of what is past, what is, and what will be. Help me to live in balance.
Biblical touchstones
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13 NRSV
Invitation to prayer
Close your eyes and look into your depths. What is God showing you? Open your eyes and look around. What is God showing you? 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 with Jesus on her lap, a modern interpretation of the sculpture of Notre Dame Sous Terre in the crypt.
This image, found towards the top of the Miracles of Mary window, was added in 1927. Five depictions of Mary are found in this window. The window is to the south and east of the labyrinth. It is to the left of the wooden pulpit on the right side of the labyrinth.
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.
Mary’s soul being received by Jesus. The death and glorification of Mary window.
Mary’s casket being carried by the disciples to its resting place. The death and glorification of Mary window.
The entombment of Mary’s body by the disciples. The death and glorification of Mary window.
The assumption of Mary into Heaven. The death and glorification of Mary Window.
The crowning of Mary. The death and glorification of Mary window.
Mary’s coronation. The Vendôme Chapel window (1415) in the south aisle.
Mary with other mourners near the cross of Jesus. The Vendôme Chapel window.
Mary honoring Christ at the end of time. The Vendôme Chapel window.
Statue of Mary with Jesus on her lap. The Miracles of Mary window (1205-1215) in the south aisle.
Mary with Jesus on her lap (2). The Miracles of Mary window.
Mary and Theophilus, Mary and the Devil. The Miracles of Mary window.
Pray with Jill Geoffrion 
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