FOR CATHOLICS ONLY: I just wanted some general information on the Blessed Heart of Mary. We've all seen the stained glass windows in the church with her arms held out and her heart shining. What is the purpose of the Blesed Heart?
The reason I ask is because I was with a non-Catholic friend yesterday and we were browsing an antique store. We came across a beautiful picture of the Blessed Heart of Mary with a dagger through it. My friend asked what the picture was and I promptly responded, "That's Mary and her most Blessed Heart." When asked why there was a dagger through her heart, I was unable to reply. Can anyone tell me the story behind this? How did Mary's "Blessed Heart" come about, and why is it so important?
2007-08-22 06:41:24 · 12 answers · asked by zauberflote44 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's actually the Sacred Heart of Mary, not "Blessed" but that's no big deal.
The Sacred Heart of Mary is Scriptural. In Luke 2:35, Simeon prophesies over Jesus and speaks of what salvation will come through Him and says to Mary, '...and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.'
This is why the Sacred Heart of Mary is rendered with a dagger through her heart. It is symbolic of the fact that Simeon's prophesy came true.
Salvation *is* all about Jesus, but Mary as the first person to believe Jesus is Lord, the first to receive the Holy Spirit and the one and only person who ever conceived the Christ is intrinsically related to our salvation. We can look to her for an example of true Christian devotion to Christ. Looking at her heart and seeing how it simultaneously shines with glory and bleeds over the agony of what Christ suffered is one way to foster that same sort of devotion in our own hearts.
Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Mary means adopting the love and virtues of Mary toward her Son. It doesn't mean putting Mary above Jesus. Indeed, people rarely have an image of the Sacred Heart of Mary without also having one of the Sacred Heart of Jesus right next to it. You can't be devoted to the Sacred Heart of Mary without also being devoted to Christ. So the above claims by ignorant protestants are unfounded -- sorry, gang, but the truth really WILL set you free.
2007-08-22 07:00:14 · answer #1 · answered by sparki777 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
The dagger represents the prophecy given to Mary when she presented her Son at the temple, that a sword would pierce her heart. The prophecy was fulfilled as she watch her Son crucified.
Mibandibee - don't worry, Catholics know that salvation is through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ alone. Remember - you only know this by reading it in a book of early Catholic writings, compiled by the Catholic Church for its own use.
2007-08-22 13:50:59 · answer #2 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
The image is The Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The symbol of the Immaculate Heart with a sword piercing it, is in reference to Simeon's prophecy in Luke 2:32-35.
"His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: "Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed — and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
. The rays emanating from Mary's heart refer to the Book of Revelation (12:1):
". . .a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars."
2007-08-22 14:04:30 · answer #3 · answered by The Raven † 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The imagery of the knife through the heart is an artistic interpretation of the scripture that when Mary presented Jesus to the Temple, a man came to her and said that she would have heart pierced as if with a sword. Making reference to her heart being broken by the death of her most sacred Son.
It is a also interpreted with the image of Jesus but with a crown of thorns around the heart.
It's importance in our faith is as a reminder of what the mother of Jesus went through, the imagery of pain, of her heart being broken for all of us. Making her the best and greatest disciple and lover of Christ.
God bless you always.
2007-08-22 15:38:43 · answer #4 · answered by Perhaps I love you more 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the immaculate heart of Mary is portrait in many fashion's.the one with a dagger in her heart,is the fulfillment of the prophecy when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus in the Temple where she was for told of the suffering she had to endure.it tells you also that she was co redeeming with her son on the cross.she is truly the mother of sorrow and Mankind.
2007-08-22 15:32:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard of the "blessed" heart of Mary. However, I have heard of the Immaculate heart of Mary, which alludes to her immaculate conception.
Now, as to the dagger through her heart, that is an allusion to the prophecy in the Gospel of Luke, which stated that Mary's heart would be pierced with sorrow.
Peace be with you.
2007-08-22 13:52:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
That image actually represents The Sorrowful Mother in recognition of the suffering she endured from Jesus' death.
She received this dagger when Simeon prophesied her pain and anguish over Jesus' death at Jesus' circumcision. She also received this dagger as she followed Jesus along the path of His Crucifixion.
There are a total of 7 Sorrows. You can check online to see exactly what they are.
2007-08-22 14:51:43 · answer #7 · answered by patty 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Remember when Mary and Joseph brought the child Jesus for His circumcision. Simeon prophetically stated Marys' heart would be pierced. It for told of the agony and sorrowful state of Her heart upon the crucifixion
2007-08-22 13:49:15 · answer #8 · answered by Gods child 6 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Mary was told that a sword would pierce
her heart, by an old man who was promised by God he would see the savour before he died.
2007-08-22 13:50:52 · answer #9 · answered by ? 5 · 8⤊ 0⤋
I think Mary's Oblate is getting mixed with
Mother of sorrow when Mary is holding her son's body when he has been taking down from the cross it is called
MOTHER OF SORROWS.
2007-08-22 14:06:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋