Heart, Flames and Thorns (Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ)

OK, Grove, Headstone Symbols and Meanings, Heart and Flame (Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ)

HEART, FLAMES AND THORNS (SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHRIST) - The Sacred Heart is often depicted in Christian art as a flaming heart, shining with divine light, pierced by the lance-wound, encircled by the crown of thorns, surmounted by a cross, and bleeding. Sometimes the image is shown shining within the bosom of Christ with his wounded hands pointing at the heart. The wounds and crown of thorns allude to the manner of Jesus' death, while the fire represents the transformative power of divine love.

The actual elements of the symbol are self explanatory, but the symbol rose to prominence when the bishop of Marseilles consecrated his diocese to the Sacred Heart to try to avert the plague that was overtaking the town.  Somehow, the area remained immune to disease and so the Sacred Heart gained a reputation of divine intervention, charity and piety.
 

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OK, Grove, Headstone Symbols and Meanings, Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ