Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
Throughout the history Catholic art, a great emphasis has been placed on the body of Christ, particularly in its two most vulnerable forms, as a baby and as the body dying on the cross or just removed from the cross. Michelangelo’s Pietà provides one example of the many depositions portrayed by artists through the centuries. Although various periods present the scene in various artistic styles, the common theme among all is the humanity of Christ. By the time of the reformation no one doubted the dual nature of Jesus Christ, but constant reminders were necessary to deepen the understanding the vast depths of the love of Jesus for all humanity. The necessity of this reminder was particularly important in the 19th century when materialism encroached and soon took the place of spiritual values, particularly God’s providential love in Christ. Although images may change, the reality behind the image is just as necessary as it was throughout all of history.