When Jesus talks about laying down his life freely, he expresses willingness to face suffering and death. His short public ministry has threatened officials, who want him gone. Most of us lay down our lives more slowly over decades for those we love. I keep a friend’s photo on my dresser mirror to remember how she laid down hers.
When Sister Marian, a hospital chaplain and also a nurse, saw the MRI taken to find the reason for her persistent back pain, she knew the cancer she had survived 12 years earlier had recurred. At first the news seemed like a death sentence until the other hospital chaplains prayed with her as a circle of friends. This experience called her to life and empowered her to hope and to heal others.
Along with chemo and radiation treatments Marian continued her ministry as a chaplain and brought together people to experience the power of prayer in supporting and healing loved ones. She became a shepherd to others navigating the dark valley of serious illness, especially others struggling with cancer and their caregivers.
I took part in one of the healing services Marian held each month. It began with live soothing harp music, included a reading from scripture, and a meditation. Marian directed us to ask the persons we came with or a person next to us what they needed and then to bless and anoint them with the oil she had put on the table.
Next to me was the doctor who did my pre-op physical in preparation for breast cancer surgery. At this service the tables were turned. I was well and she was in the middle of chemo for colon cancer.
She told me about her journey and hopes to keep working to save Earth. As a scientist she wondered what we are eating and drinking that so many people have colon cancer.
I told her how kind the medical people were in the hospital on the day of my surgery and how one had covered my hands with his or hers when I joined them together over my head for a final PET scan. She told me no one was in the room with me during a PET scan. I was awestruck.
Whose hand in that vulnerable moment gave so much support? Was it my mother who died when I was 24? We smeared each other’s hands with oil and prayed for each other. I left blessed, anointed, and heartened.
Both Marian and my doctor have gone to God. Both lived their healing vocations to the end and left many of us stronger. This is how they laid down their lives and helped me see God’s hand in my own life.
- When have you received healing and strength from someone else? When have you given them to another?