Portrait of Jesus Beneath a Burned Building

On November 17th, a raging fire burned through an apartment building on 144th and Broadway obliterating its top two floors. Many homes were lost, and a crane still stands perched outside the building today.
I am familiar with the neighborhood of Hamilton Heights as many of my friends live there, and a couple of evenings ago, as I was approaching the 1 Train station on 145th to come back to midtown, I decided to stop by the affected building.

On the corner of a stoop, I found this little portrait of Jesus Christ covered in dying yellow flowers shoved off to the side of the front steps. The portrait is inside a brown frame, and the colors in the picture are vivid. The image is recognizable; instantly, one can recognize the Son of God's soft eyes and long hair above a glowing heart.
I am sure there had been other memorabilia placed out there before, like flower bouquets or candles, but it seemed this was the longest-lasting offering. I found it intriguing that it was off to the side of the stairs - I am sure firemen and residents needed to get through their front door every day and night, but the idea that it would be saved here, almost as a constant reminder of Jesus's watchful eye was striking. The flower petals looked a little old, but the intention of bringing life with this spiritual consolation remained.
I find this piece to be very informative of the power of religious artifacts in use in times of healing. Growing up in Latin American communities, I have always seen portraits of Jesus or candles be displayed around homes as symbols of blessedness and grace under the eye of the Lord, and seeing this artifact under a building that had suffered so much pain recently struck me as a strong image, specifically in Catholicism, as Jesus serving as a protector and a guiding light in times of tribulation. I have seen framed portraits like this one at the local dollar store, but it does not at all, to me, diminish the value of the image, considering He is such a consoling, life-giving entity for many who follow religion.
I think that this speaks volumes for how religion can be a healer and a guide. Being able to be reminded of the higher powers that are looking out for you and the plan that God has everytime the members of the building come home is special and sacred. This also speaks to how others see religion as a gift that can be shared. Regardless of the religious views of the residents of the building, someone (presumably a neighbor) offered this portrait as a reminder that the afflicted are not alone, and that they are being cared for. The universality of religion as a sometimes polarizing but sometimes neutral symbol for peace is a fascinating duality that exists within the structures of it. This portrait so easily stands without causing offense (again, presumably), and its intentions are very clear. It is working to rebuild the burning building it stand beneath, even if just by re-instilling hope to those who pass it.