The entrance into the historic Johns Hopkins hospital is truly a place that echo’s peace. The dark wood and marble are in stark contrast to sterile operating rooms, treatment facilities and patient centers behind these walls.
There is also one object of conversation in this entry that allows all who walk through those doors to summon a prayer for healing. In fact, you can almost hear the prayers swirling around a magnificent ten foot marble statue of Jesus. The “Divine Healer” statue stands with arms outstretched, a pose to welcome all, regardless of faith. And that is exactly what happens in this small corner of one of the biggest, grandest healing centers in the country.
Today, there were pictures left at his feet. Pictures of children smiling, probably school photos, that a mom or dad left behind after whispering a plea for help. Sometimes the burden is just too heavy to carry alone.
There was also a note asking for help after going too long without a job. And many, personal conversations that weren’t written or photographed, but private and just as important.
Prayers to sustain a life, for a speedy recovery or a prayer for a hot meal tonight. There are no fences around this prayer station. All are welcome.
August 22, 2013 @ 9:42 am
Terrific blog. So glad to know That Hopkins has this statue of Jesus…. a Healer of the body, mind and soul if we would only open the door to our heart.
St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta is much like Hopkins. The nuns run a tight ship…a prayer for healing, comfort and care is offered over the intercom 2X each day. For those patients heading off to surgery, many of the nurses ask them if they could pray with them, the chaplains make their rounds each day and the small chapel offers a place where patients, families and friends can offer their prayers for grace, mercy and healing.
Hopkins and St. Joe’s are just 2 places of healing who understand the Divine Healer is the One from Whom all our blessings flow.
August 21, 2013 @ 9:15 pm
The symbolism of that sculpture, which has been the subject of a lot of articles and blog posts, is profound. Think of all the hands that have touched it since its placement more than a century ago. And of the sense of a burden lifting through communal sharing of pain. It’s such a touchstone.
There’s an interesting feature about the sculpture in the Johns Hopkins Medical Journal of 1982 (easily found online).