My mom and I stood in her kitchen one evening when she said, “I have to show you something.”

She took out her tablet and pulled up a video about a girl named Allie. Allie was a young woman diagnosed with cancer in her late teenage years. Her favorite band was Coldplay. As Allie’s life on earth was coming to a close, she told her friends and family that she had a wish to meet Chris Martin, Coldplay’s lead singer.

Upon hearing this wish, my mom’s friend who had known Allie since she was a young girl went on a mission. And he had no idea who Chris Martin was.

One connection after another was made. Chris Martin’s manager called my mom’s friend, and Chris Martin showed up at Allie’s door.

I stood in my parents’ kitchen, watching a video of Chris teaching Allie how to play “Yellow” on her piano at home. Watching Allie’s mother and brother stand in awe and joy as this moment unfolded.

A few weeks after Chris left Allie in California, Coldplay had a concert in Argentina. If you’ve ever seen Coldplay perform, you can imagine lights flashing, colors painting the stage, and the crowd overflowing with energy. As Chris plays “Paradise” on the piano, he begins to talk about this incredible girl named Allie that he met. He stands up and asks the crowd to dance with him in honor of Allie. To offer this song to Allie. He runs down the stage, arms outstretched, and the whole crowd jumps up and down, dancing for Allie.

A sacred moment in and of itself. More sacred because Allie passed into eternal life within fifteen minutes of this offering.

Since I watched this video, the image that this moment created has implanted in my mind and heart.

An image of what Catholics profess in the Communion of Saints. A community of holy people and things, forming one body in Christ (CCC 960, 961).

In that moment at the Coldplay concert, I envision both the heavens and earth dancing for Allie. I imagine the crowd on earth and the saints in heaven encouraging Allie toward her new home in eternal life.

The parallel may not be perfect, but that might be part of what it is for a mystery to be infinitely knowable. Part of what it is for a mystery to increase our faith in God and love for each other.

Clip of Coldplay’s Offering for Allie.