Originally Posted by Jma
Actually there are many symbols I don´t understand (hebrew),
A quick google :
The Latin In Hoc Signo (Vinces) which means “In this sign (you will conquer), from the vision that Constantine received before his victory at the Mulvian Bridge in 312 (some say 313). Constantine received a vision of a cross and heard the phrase and had it emblazoned on the shields of his soldiers.
The Greek Iesus Hemeteros Soter which means “Jesus our Savior” which was a popular Christian inscription in the early church
The Latin Iesus Hominum Salvator which means “Jesus Savior of Humankind”, made popular by St. Bernadine.
Some have even used the English phrase “I have suffered” to ascribe meaning to it, but that is a much later “pneumonic device” to remember Christ’s passion and love for us.
When you see the inscription, it is a reminder of God’s loving power and enduring mercy for us. It is more than God’s “title”, it is a reminder of God’s active presence with us, among us and before us.
As Scripture attests:
“…for it is written: ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bend before me, and every tongue shall give praise to God’.” - Romans 14:11
“…at the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:10-11
When it comes to art and architecture in the Church, the best thing to remember is that everything has meaning and when you take the time (as you did) to ask the question and seek the answers, your entire Mass experience and faith experience will deepen as your spirituality grows throughout your senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, etc.
God uses everyone of your senses to touch your soul, all of His created things are supposed to point us back to the Creator at Mass – for instance, incense (smell), bells (sound), stained glass and icons (sight) and most specifically the Eucharist (taste).
Just remember, the IHS is a reminder that you are HIS
|