Inside the Creation of 'On Eagle's Wings': Archival Notes and Father Joncas' Musical Legacy
By David Miller
The transition of "On Eagle's Wings" from parish hymnals to secular civic rituals occurred during moments of national mourning. During the memorial services following the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the song was performed repeatedly to unify a devastated community. Its lack of sectarian language made it an accessible vehicle for public grief. The text mentions God and angels, but it avoids complex dogmatic formulations, allowing people of varied religious backgrounds to project their own sorrow and hope into the words.
The hymn lyrics meaning connects grief directly to safety rather than resignation. Many traditional funeral hymns, such as "Dies Irae" or even older Protestant staples like "Abide with Me," focus on judgment, sin, or twilight shadows. Joncas reversed that emotional focus. His hymn emphasizes flight, light, and maternal protection, depicting a divine presence that catches the falling spirit before it strikes the stone.
This dynamic reappeared in November 2020 when President-elect Joe Biden referenced the song in his national victory address, noting that it had sustained his family following the death of his son Beau Biden. The sudden mention introduced the work to millions of global viewers unfamiliar with post-Vatican II liturgical composition, sending the sheet music and chords back to the top of digital worship music download lists.
David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.
