Blessed Chaminade wrote, “let us then, whoever we may be, bless forever the divine goodness which gave us Mary as our Mother, our spiritual nurse and our mediatrix.”
Through the last decade at my daughter’s side through many hospital stays and procedures, one thing I have come to realize is that there are some incredible doctors out there. But, even more than this, there are nurses serving as a true vocation mixing both medicine and love.
In the hospital, it is the nurse who sees the patient most. The nurse who becomes a friend and confidant. The doctor comes through once a day on rounds but the nurse works 12 hour shifts and knows the care, needs and person who is the patient. When the doctor comes to visit, the nurse aligns all the test results and medications and shares the special needs of this patient.
I have seen some incredible men and women serving in this role. Several stand out even to this day. I’ve seen a nurse tell the doctor that the treatment medicine was making the patient sick and recommend options. I’ve watched the nurse take an hour to sort through the dozens of pills so that the patient wouldn’t be so overwhelmed at dinner. I’ve watched a nurse, who after her 14 hour shift came to the ICU to sit beside my daughter in the middle of the night so I could rest.
Yes, nurses are awesome. Have you ever looked at Mary in this manner? Granted, our Divine Physician is perfect and always knows the exact ‘medicine’ needed to heal the soul, but, Mary stands and advises how to administer that medicine. She stands at the patient’s side, holding their hand, so they are comforted when receiving a painful dose or surgery. She applies the balm after the surgery is completed and the sin excised. She stays at the patient’s side while they are recovering. She looks into the patient’s eyes, comforting them that all will be ok, this ‘Physician’ is the best.
The Divine Physician trusts His patients into the loving care of His nurse. He has total trust of her skill, dedication and love. He knows that when the patient leans on His Blessed Nurse, they will receive the caress of her Immaculate Heart.
Do you trust the Divine Physician’s care network enough the lean upon His Nurse? Mary will never fail to tell her Divine Son what is needed most by the soul to heal. And, best yet, she never goes off shift.
Let her Flame of Love wash over you and be the balm of your sinner’s heart.