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Window of the Month
Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn Heights, Michigan

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Window

Building Name: Chapel in the Woods; Starr Commonwealth

Studio Name: Burnham (W. H.) Studios

City: Albion

Window Shape: 2 (rectangle)

Date of Window: 1950

Subject/Title of Window: The Pharisee and the Publican

Brief Description of Subject: "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself. "God, I thank thee that I am not like other men ... or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."  Luke 18

What fun the artist has had with the pompous hypocrisy of this overfed Pharisee! The smug expression on his face, the arrogance with which he drops a coin into the alms basin in the temple - to impress the humble Publican!

The detail here is exquisite: the lace table cover, the chains which hold the lamp, the well-filled purse of the Pharisee, securely fastened to his belt - and tightly closed!

From "May All Who Enter This Chapel-in-the-Woods Rejoice and Be Exceeding Glad in The Love of Jesus Christ Our Lord," by Starr Commonwealth For Boys, Albion, Michigan.