In the secular world, the symbol of the heart and the word “love” carries little meaning. Both are overused and misunderstood.
But not with Jesus. His words were not empty. His love not superficial. He loved us to His literal death. In the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we turn to the symbol and the feast to celebrate the immense, divine, human love Jesus had for us— one that burns deeper than any love we can ever know.
When I created this painting I wanted it to be rich in color and intensity while also delicately representing his gentle love. With prayer, this painting and I went through many stages. At first the canvas was kind of a mess until I threw in more vivid colors — hot pink to bring out the center of the heart, bright orange and red to set the flames ablaze, green within the backgroung to bring some earth tones in. The colors combined are nothing short of fierce & I just love it. It may be my favorite from the collection simply bc of how intense it is. Like a dang lion. And that’s exactly how I picture Christ’s love for me — intense, rich, & ablaze….Roaring.
O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure, and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions; give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.
“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him” - John 3:17
This print comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Artwork © Natalie Haydel Barker. All rights reserved.
