Homeless Jesus
Podcast #137 — Aired October 9, 2017
Works of art can touch our hearts and inspire kindness, love, and charity. This week on BetterWorldians Radio we’re talking about “Homeless Jesus,” a life-size bronze statue of Jesus, shrouded in a blanket with his face covered and lying on a park bench, which was recently commissioned in Philadelphia. We are talking with the Karen Beyer, the statue’s benefactor, the artist Tim Schmalz, and the director of St. John’s Hospice, which was the recipient of the statue.
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Karen Beyer
Benefactor,
Homeless Jesus
Karen Beyer is co-founder of Valley Forge Financial Group, which just celebrated 50 years in business. Karen commissioned a “Homeless Jesus” statue in honor of her late husband. Karen says she was drawn to the Homeless Jesus statue the moment she saw it and even more so when she learned the artist was inspired by Matthew 25:40 which says, "In truth I tell you in so far as you did to the least of my brothers of mine, you did it to Me." She donated the statue to the church and calls the day it was dedicated one of the most meaningful of her life.
Timothy Schmalz
Sculptor,
Homeless Jesus
Timothy Schmalz is the creator of “Homeless Jesus,” a life-size bronze statue of Jesus, shrouded in a blanket with his face covered and lying on a park bench. For over 25 years, Tim has been sculpting large-scale sculptures, specializing in religious artwork. He is a figurative artist with his pieces installed worldwide. Some of his most reputed pieces are installed in historical churches in Rome and at the Vatican.
David Stier
Director,
St. John's Hospice
David Stier is the director of St. John’s Hospice in Philadelphia and has over 25 years experience serving the homeless and those in need, including serving as a hospice chaplain for 12 years. David has been with St. John’s Hospice since 2007.