Let It Be…

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

Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be

And when the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer
Let it be
For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer
Let it be

Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom
Let it be

And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow
Let it be
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom
Let it be

Let it be, let it be
Let it be, let it be
There will be an answer
Let it be
Let It Be, Lyrics by Paul McCartney © 1970

These words to the Beatles song written by Paul McCartney came to mind when I was reading the Gospel for this coming Sunday. The song was written at a time of tremendous violence in the world (the unrest and violence in Northern Ireland, Racism, Poverty and the Vietnam War). It was also a time of personal turmoil as the Beatles found themselves unraveling around the edges (“Let It Be” would be their last studio album). In a time of darkness, the lyrics speak to a man seeking wisdom and perhaps peace.

My picture of Mary is from St Bernard’s Monastery in Cullman, Alabama where I attended a Men’s Contemplative Retreat last spring. The baby Jesus in her arms, appears to be reaching out in a blessing or a gathering motion to those who walk by or stop and reflect for a moment on the scene. Or perhaps, the infant’s arms are stretched out as they would be 30 or so years later as he hung upon the cross. However, this Mary with her regal crown and knowing gaze is not the woman I see in my mind’s eye.

The Mary I see is a young woman who is minding her own business and engaged to a carpenter named Joseph. Suddenly, she is visited by the angel Gabriel. (Luke 1:26-38) I can’t even begin to imagine how her world was turned upside down. What do you do when an angel of the Lord appears and says, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”? I am sure part of her wanted to look around the room to see who else was there.

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Really? Favor? You are telling me that I am pregnant and Joseph isn’t the father (and he couldn’t be anyway since we have not been together in that way)? And I am not supposed to be afraid? And he is going to be called the Son of the Most High and receive the throne of his ancestor David? Really? Do not be afraid? Really? Elizabeth’s pregnant? You’ve got to be kidding! Seriously? At her age?

Yet by the end of Gabriel’s message, does Mary freak out and run away? In a word, No. She is told that with God, nothing is impossible. With all of the questions and fears that must have been racing around in her heart and mind, she doesn’t run away. She says, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”

Let it be… a very simple phrase loaded with meaning and faith. Protestants don’t pay much attention to Mary and yet we are asked to pay attention to her this Fourth Sunday in Advent. The wisdom of the ages must have descended upon her as the angel Gabriel spoke to her. After the announcement, Mary quietly said “yes” to God’s call in her life. And heaven knows this wouldn’t be the last time she would be confronted with God’s plan which didn’t make sense to her. Yet she relied on God’s wisdom to get through whatever darkness, questioning or doubt she found herself in.

I weep when I see the news of school massacres, violence and terrorism, bloody and brutal treatment of citizens of this earth by others because they are different. And in those moments, I truly do wonder if there is any hope left at all. Perhaps this is why the lyrics Paul McCartney wrote came to my heart and mind. The woman who saw so much sorrow and pain, especially as she watched her son die on the cross, can speak to me today. Whisper words of wisdom… words of hope… words of faith… words of love… Let it be…

Lord, let me be your servant… give me courage to shine your light in the darkness… Amen.