Mtr Mary Trainor

In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here…*

Dear friend,

Several years ago the American Humane Society teamed with singer-songwriter Sarah MacLachlan to create a marketing video sure to break your heart—and maybe your wallet.

It was powerful to be sure. MacLachlan’s lyrics and melody in Angel were moving beyond belief—so moving that I would flee the room rather than listen while they also showed photos of abused and neglected dogs. (See video below.)

I later heard confessions from others that they, too, were brought to tears by these promotions.

Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance…

In time I came to equate certain events, moments, memories with the effects this song has on me. Angel moments,

The invasion of Ukraine is such an event. The curse of COVID that has taken friends and family members, even as it has robbed survivors of a way of life. I could cite more. My guess is, you could, too.

You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie…

Today’s Office Gospel from John touches this same place in me. Raw. Ragged. Painful.

Jesus is in Jerusalem. The waving of palm fronds and the singing of alleluias behind him, he continues teaching and being confronted, even as he moves closer to the cross, and his destiny.

I wonder if he felt the heaviness I do when filled with dread, or coping with staggering loss, or dealing with just plain fear. Did he find comfort? Someone with whom to share the load. Someone with whom he could simply sit—and be?

You're in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here….

Mtr Mary

*Angel, Sarah MacLachlan, 1998