Our world is crying out for a mother’s love. Millions of us long to soothe the agony of those suffering from the war in Ukraine and wrap them in a loving embrace. In times like this, we need our Holy Mother. She’s represented differently in all our spiritual traditions, but is always the embodiment of unconditional love, wrapping us in safety and soothing our pain. The Holy Mother is often reflected in the beauty of a rose, reminding us that we are loved, worthy and never alone.
I was raised catholic, so I have a deep connection to Mother Mary, and at 1PM EST on March 25, Pope Francis is offering a prayer to consecrate the heart of Russia and Ukraine into the heart of our Holy Mother. While each one of us may have a different way of perceiving the Holy Mother, we can join together to invoke her loving-kindness, and ask her to embrace our world in her love, dissolve our fear and hatred, and restore our connection to the light.
Since the war began, I’ve listened to this beautiful song sung by Eric Clapton and Pavarotti called Holy Mother. The lyrics speak to the moments when you can’t wait anymore to find relief from your pain. Listening to it is a form of prayer and a way we can invoke our Holy Mother to heal the horrors of war and help us create peace.
Holy Mother, where are you?
Tonight, I feel broken in two.
I’ve seen the stars fall from the sky,
Holy Mother, can’t keep from crying.
Oh, I need your help this time.
Get me through this lonely night,
Tell me, please, which way to turn-
to find myself again.
Holy Mother, hear my prayer.
Somehow. I know you’re still there,
Send me, please, some peace of mind.
Take away this pain.
I can’t wait (I can’t wait),
I can’t wait (I can’t wait),
I can’t wait any longer (can’t wait any longer),
I can’t wait I can’t wait (I can’t wait)0
I can’t wait for you.
Holy Mother, hear my cry,
I’ve called your name a thousand times,
I’ve felt the anger running through my soul,
All I need is a hand to hold.
Oh, I feel the end has come,
No longer my legs will run,
You know I would rather be
In your arms tonight.
My voice is still, I fade away.
Holy Mother, then I’ll be-
Lying in, safe within your arms.
