An Image of the Sacred Heart
Reflect
In college, I majored in Visual Art. It was through the Journalism Department, but my entire major was devoted to learning how to present information in a visual way. “Visual storytelling” was the name of the game for my four years of undergrad, and although I’m not currently using my degree professionally, the things I learned from all that studying are still relevant to my life.
Although I didn’t go to art school, my college classes made me more appreciative of fine art in general. I know a little bit more about what kind of thought goes into creating art and how artists are almost always trying to tell a story through their piece, regardless of their medium.
Which brings me to this piece of art, the depiction of Divine Mercy. It’s an image you might be familiar with, and it’s one I’m coming to love more and more. There are so many layers to this piece that reveal pieces of God’s Heart, that can draw us deeper into meditating on the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
For instance, the circular brushstrokes behind the figure of Jesus lead the eye away from Him, and then right back to Him. A reminder that our life, our hope—the sum of who we are—begins and ends with Jesus.
The glowing golden light around Jesus’ head draws you in with its warmth, reminding us that Jesus is the source of all light and hope. That we find nothing but goodness in His presence.
The bright white light bursting from Jesus’ very Heart, continuing forth in the red and white rays, reminds us that His Heart shines with love for each and every one of us and for the whole world. The rays remind us of the grace and mercy flowing from His heart to cover each one of us, each His beloved creation.
In this image I see peace, hope, and light. I see Our Savior whose very Heart was pierced for love of us. I see Mercy personified.
Jesus is the source of all light and hope. #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet
Let Us Pray
Dear Jesus, what mercy and love we find in Your Sacred Heart! Holy Spirit, move in us, that we may discover even more depths of the infinite grace offered to us. Fill us with a desire for You, that every other desire and attachment is removed and all that remains is love of You. Amen.
For Discussion
What draws you into this image of Divine Mercy?
Have you ever considered the Sacred Heart as the source of merciful love? What does merciful love mean to you?
In His Heart: The 2020 Prayer Pledge // Day 21 #BISblog #prayerpledge //Click to tweet
Valerie Keinsley is a wife and mama living in central Indiana. She loves WWII novels, decaf chai lattes, and trying to keep houseplants alive. She is striving to find and name beauty in the midst of the mundane, and loves to share her “good lists” on Instagram. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Valerie's posts here.
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