Sisters (and Brothers) of Mercy

I went to Quaker Meeting this morning and found myself reflecting deeply on the words Leonard Cohen wrote many years ago in his “Sisters of Mercy” song: a masterpiece, in my opinion. When the human world goes crazy, as it has before and is doing now, it’s somewhat grounding for me to envison the incarnated grace that Leonard conjured up in the form of sisters who endlessly and spaciously offer comfort and love to any who are suffering. The first verse: “The sisters of Mercy, they are not departed or gone. They were waiting for me, when I thought that I just can’t go on.” This is such good news, if one can connect with it. So many folks on this planet have good reason to feel they can’t go on, and sometimes they are right. Sometimes I have felt this way myself, with far less reason than those facing external peril. The next two lines are, “And they brought me their comfort, and later they brought me this song. I hope you run into them, you who’ve been traveling so long.” This is comfort that is freely given, no strings attached and no conditions. What a role model.

In the third verse, Leonard says, “If your life is a leaf that the seasons tear off and condemn, they will bind you with love that is graceful and green as a stem.” No promises for circumstances to change. But the binding and healing power of love, as natural as leaves and stems, is affirmed and offered freely. The more we can offer and receive this in our own lives the better our lives become. Imperfect as we are, I believe this is something to aspire to, even when we miss the mark. And here is a rendition of the song itself.