“When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary comes to me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be. And in my hour of darkness She is standing right in front of me Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.” ~ Sir Paul McCartney
The Beatles were and arguably still are one of the most popular groups ever. They ruled over music popularity for much of the 60’s. In 1970 they released the song “Let it Be.”
As you listen to the song, solemn but resolute, Sir Paul McCartney sings about Mother Mary coming to him and telling him to “Let it Be.”
I often questioned who he was talking about when he said, Mother Mary. Was he talking about our Blessed and Holy Mother? Or someone else?
I’ve read that when Sir Paul was asked, he replied two ways. He said it was about his mother, Mary, and that the listener could interpret it how they felt.
For myself, images of our Blessed Mother come to mind and I feel her presence whenever I listen or sing the song.
When I was on the pilgrimage with my church we visited many biblical sights in Israel. Many of them hit me in the heart. None more so than those that centered around our Blessed Mother.
At the Basilica of the Annunciation, I knelt before the very home of Mother Mary. There the angel Gabriel was sent by God to ask a poor Nazarene girl if she would bring Christ into this world. As we know she said yes.
There on my knees, rosary in my hands, I prayed. I prayed to Mother Mary. She had so much courage and strength. I asked our Mother to help me have the same courage. Again at the Church of the Assumption, the place where Mother Mary was brought into heaven, I prayed.
At each of these sites, I felt an unseen power. An almost mystical feeling of peace. I know Mother Mary was there with me. She was wrapping me in her arms and comforting her son.
There are many things about faith that can’t be explained. I can’t explain how drawn I feel to our Mother. I pray to her when I feel broken and there’s a sense of relief. It is the same power that is felt during this song.
In our daily life, we face constant hardship. We didn’t get the promotion at work, our relationship ended, and our car broke down for the second time this week. It is easy for us, understandably, to get frustrated and want to take control of life.
As we all know the only control we have in life is how we react to what’s happening. Turing to Mother Mary and God always helps.
In the song, we hear the words “though the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me.” This light, no matter how dark or cloudy things get, is the love of God and Mother Mary.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
Mother Mary has been my refuge many times. I’ve prayed to her when I am feeling low and alone. When I am seeking comfort she has been my source. Through Mother Mary, we can find a path to Jesus and God.
This has been one of my most challenging entries. Mostly because I am trying to put into words the connection I feel to Mother Mary. I can’t explain it. The feeling in my heart is unexplainable. I feel no shame coming to her. No judgment nor disappointment. Only love and comfort. In many statues and paintings of her, her arms are often outstretched as if she is offering an embrace to any child of God who comes to her.
When I knelt before her home, I wept quite literally to myself. This whole time I’ve grown up knowing God and Jesus. Learning of the love and mercy that is offered from both yet I walked away. After returning to it I still struggled with everything. The weirdest thing is when I think of our Holy Mother I feel complete trust in her. I don’t question any of her graces or love. I know she is my Holy Mother and I often refer to her as that. I continuously question myself when I fail to trust in God’s plan. Why can’t I trust Him as I trust our Mother?
That is why I pray to her and ask for her help. Through our Holy Mother, I hope to become closer to Jesus and God.
For now, all the challenges I face and all my struggles I lay them at the feet of Mother Mary and the cross. I have no choice but to let it be that way. An answer will come in time. For now in my darkest hour, times of trouble, and cloudy nights there is a light. A light that shines on and on.