| 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.
|
