My (misplaced?) Gratitude for Paul McCartney and Let it Be
Music, like the Bible, is full of mystery, surprise, and twists. Each offers an opportunity to ponder intent, ascribe meaning, attach emotion, and make it our own as we live into the word.
Raised as a Catholic and schooled by Marianist Brothers, I have long been comforted by Jesus’s mother Mary in many ways, including Paul McCartney’s song, Let it Be:
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
For five decades, I have seen Jesus’s Mary in McCartney’s soothing voice and assuring words:
And in my hour of darkness, she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
I was sure McCartney invoked Jesus’s mother to complement the warm melody and calming lyrics. Who else could mysteriously appear in times of trouble and hours of darkness speaking words of wisdom?
For this church blog, I wanted to identify the Scripture source of McCartney’s song. I Googled and found Luke 1:38 (ESV):
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.”
Ready to finish this post, I tried one more search: “Meaning of Let it Be.” These five words erased 50 years of belief!
Imagine my surprise to learn that the subject of this song is Paul’s mother Mary, not Jesus’s mother. Mary McCartney appeared to her son in a dream years after her death, counseling him to “let it be.” I wrongly assumed McCartney conjured up Jesus’ mother to comfort me in times of trouble and hours of darkness.
Despite what now feels like 50 years of misplaced gratitude, I remain grateful. Particularly for the gratitude Let it Be draws from me. Facts to the contrary, I still see Jesus’s Mother when this song plays, and gratitude continues to shine brightly.
Today, I am particularly grateful for:
- Jesus and His mother
- Paul McCartney and his mother
- My mother and my wife’s mother
- The Marble Collegiate Church family
On Sunday, November 13, 2022, the Marble family will gather online and in-person for a joyous Service and celebration. We will thank God for our many blessings and offer our financial support for next year.
Please be part of this exciting season at Marble. Use this link to learn more about Gratitude Sunday 2022 and to register for the online or in-person celebration and to offer your financial support.
See you there!
With blessings and love, Let it be.
John Hupalo is a member of the Board of Deacons and Elders, and Co-Chair of the Gratitude Sunday 2022 Committee