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The fires of Notre Dame was a devastating sight for the thousands of people gathering from a distance as burning embers floated down from the sky.
From the chaotic scene, however, one eagle-eyed observer claims she saw a vision of salvation in the form of Jesus Christ emanating from the towering flames from a photograph.
In a moment of crisis, we sometimes see what we want to see to bring us a semblance of peace. Is this such an example?
There are many things in this life that simply cannot be explained, but this sighting of Jesus brought up an interesting conversation on Twitter.
Lesley Rowan, a 38-year-old believer, shared the photo of what she interpreted as a redemptive vision.
Rowan told Scotland's Daily Record by way of the Huffington Post:
"When I looked at this photo last night, I was really astounded by what I saw. When I look at it I see a silhouette of Jesus. I really see a vivid image."
Some were shocked at what they were seeing. Can you see Him?
Wow, I totally agree - I can see a figure of Jesus in the flames too. Do you see it, or is my mind playing tricks o… https://t.co/3gsvG2Gha3— Kelly Schuberth (@Kelly Schuberth)1555503262.0
@CatholicArena A SILHOUETTE of Jesus Christ has been spotted in the flames of the devastating inferno which engulfe… https://t.co/G8tFwgknNi— OTOIDE JOSHUA MARIO (@OTOIDE JOSHUA MARIO)1555500912.0
@KellySchuberth I actually see it😱— Jane Powers (@Jane Powers)1555548980.0
One user spotted an additional figure within the flames.
@KellySchuberth I see both Jesus and Mary. Look to our right of Jesus, you can see Mary wearing a head cover, so be… https://t.co/VVpSatHHOW— Juan Ruiz (@Juan Ruiz)1555564984.0
Many were skeptical.
@KellySchuberth https://t.co/1pI0LW55DF— Lonely Bean (@Lonely Bean)1555503407.0
@KellySchuberth Whys he never seen at children's hospitals?— Ryan (@Ryan)1555554967.0
Best thing Ive read today? People are claiming they can see Jesus in the flames of the Notre Dame fire. Life why tf… https://t.co/dLW0vUim8s— Thrillmonger (@Thrillmonger)1555521422.0
@KellySchuberth It's truly a life-changing Christian conversion for me because I embiggened the photo from Huff Pos… https://t.co/UmB3hMhrUf— Mjastoria (@Mjastoria)1555591282.0
If it really was Jesus atop the burning cathedral, what message might he have delivered?
Was Jesus in the flames of Notre Dame? This would be a sure sign that Jesus was not happy with what was going on a… https://t.co/9R5uum6t0T— Catholic Doors (@Catholic Doors)1555521870.0
@KellySchuberth So wait- he’s RIGHT THERE and he’s not even trying to put it out? Are you shitting me? Why show up at all?— Ed Bode (@Ed Bode)1555549887.0
A scientific explanation on how the mind plays tricks was inevitable.
@KellySchuberth It's called pareidolia or matrixing. Your mind is designed to see paterns and your brain will make… https://t.co/Doxoh5SmXu— Otitis Grimm (@Otitis Grimm)1555566251.0
@KellySchuberth Your mind is playing tricked to you! Take your medications! quick!— Vladimir Novac (@Vladimir Novac)1555545529.0
The divine vision was interpreted in other ways.
@shaev7 @CatholicArena My money is on Sauron https://t.co/ALVF3ss1bv— Luis (@Luis)1555585228.0
@KellySchuberth Oh, now I know where Obi-Wan-Kenobi is!— Jose Gonzalez (@Jose Gonzalez)1555596350.0
But who are we to call out what others believe they are seeing?
@KellySchuberth I don't, but if you do and that gives you hope, relief or generally bolsters your faith? That's all that matters, mate.— Bret Higgins (@Bret Higgins)1555597245.0
This could be an example of the face pareidolia phenomena rather than a direct message from God.
Dr. Kang Lee, a psychologist at the University of Toronto explained to HuffPo her findings from her 2014 research into face pareidolia.
"Human brains are uniquely wired to recognize faces, so that even when there's only a slight suggestion of facial features the brain automatically interprets it as a face."
Or, maybe, there are other forces at work that are far beyond comprehension.