THE HUMAN HEART
As the physical, emotional and functional center of the body, the heart has come to represent the soul of a person. In some of the stories of the saints, there are tales of the heart bearing literal words of God inscribed revealed up death of the saint.
In the case of St Ignatius, given the name “Theophorus,” meaning “God-Bearer,” his heart was untouched by the lions that devoured him, and the gilt words, “Jesus Christ,” could be seen upon his heart by the pagan onlookers.
Later, when the courtly love of medieval times spread through literature and art, the symbol of the heart took on a more earthly meaning of romantic love.
THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS [El Sagrado Corazón]
There are actually, traditionally three Sacred Heart Images that symbolize the Holy Family: the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Sacred (or Immaculate) Heart of Mary, and the Sacred Heart of Joseph. Each feature specific iconography that expresses a personal story of passion for faith.
I’ve chosen the Sacred Heart of Jesus for this week’s focus.
To show dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is to invite blessings upon your home. It represents both Jesus’ physical sacrifice, and his burning love for mankind symbolized by the flames. Appearing repeatedly to Sister Margaret Mary (who goes on to become a Saint), Jesus presents the image of his heart to her in hopes that she will use it to remind mankind of his sacrifice and their salvation.
Thorny vines wrap the heart reminiscent of the crown of thorns and symbolize a loving sacrifice of life for mankind. The bleeding wound that appears at the bottom of the heart represents the pierced side of Jesus as he hung on the cross.
An unnamed Roman Centurion, pierced the side with a spear to check if Jesus was still alive. From the wound, flowed blood and water, which sprayed the soldier’s face, miraculously healing his failing eyesight and converting him to a follower. He spent his remaining years as a monk and was eventually martyred and sainted, Saint Longinus.
The spear head was given the name “The Spear of Destiny,” and gained legend that the bearer could control the destiny of mankind. It is rumored to be in the possession of overlords like Ghengis Khan and Hitler. It rests now in the Imperial Treasury at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria.
In the words of our dear Franciscan Brother and Santero Arturo Olivas, “May the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the source of all mercy, compassion and love be adored everywhere!”
Although the Sacred Heart of Jesus is not created for or in celebration of Valentine’s Day, it does have a natural affiliation with it as a symbol of love and passion. I hope you can enjoy sharing and coloring this image as a meditation and gift to give to remind someone that they fill your heart with color and that you share of wish of blessings with them.
Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day!
By Sean Wells
Contributing Artist
