|
Look at the copy of
the picture. Frightened by the vision of two angels showing Him the
instruments of the Passion, the Christ Child has run to His Mother,
almost losing, in His haste, one of the tiny sandals. Mary holds Him in
her arms reassuringly, lovingly. But notice her eyes. They look not at
Jesus, but at us. Is this not a touch of genius? How better express Our
Lady's plea to us to avoid sin and love her Son?
Christ's little Hands,
too, are pressed into Mary's as a reminder to us that, just as on earth
He placed Himself entirely in her hands for protection, so now in Heaven
He has given into her hands all graces, to distribute to those who ask
Her. This is the principal message of the picture. A Byzantine icon,
however, it is replete with other symbols. Here are some of them. |
|
Star on Our
Lady's veil. She is the Star Of the Sea . . . who brought the light of
Christ to the darkened world . . . the star that
leads us to the safe port of Heaven. |
Greek Initials for "Mother of God"
 |
Golden Crown placed
on the original picture by order of the Holy See in 1867 It is a token
of the many miracles wrought by Our Lady invoked under the title of
"Perpetual Help." |
|
Greek Initial for
St. Michael the Archangel " He is depicted holding the lance and
gall-sop of Christ's Passion |
Greek Initial for
"St. Gabriel the Archangel." He holds the Cross and the nails. |
|
Mary's Mouth is
small for silent recollection. She speaks little. |
Mary's Eyes are large for all our troubles They are turned toward
us always. |
|
Red Tunic the color
worn by virgins at the time of Christ. |
Greek Initials for "Jesus Christ."
|
|
Dark
Blue Mantle the color worn by mothers in Palestine. Mary is both
Virgin and Mother. |
Mary's Left Hand supporting Christ possessively: She is his Mother.
It is a comforting hand for everyone who calls on Her. |
|
Christ's Hands turned palms down into His Mother's indicate that the
Graces of Redemption are in Her keeping |
Falling Sandal Perhaps, the symbol of a soul clinging to Christ by
one last thread -- devotion to Mary. |
|
The entire background is golden symbolic of Heaven where
Jesus and Mary are now enthroned. The gold also shines through their
clothing showing the heavenly joy. They can bring to tired human hearts. |
