Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
(Song of Songs 2:8-14; Luke 1:39-45)
The Song of
Songs originally had nothing to do with religion. It was written as a poem exalting the
physical attraction in adolescent love. But
Jewish elders saw the poem’s passion as expressive of God’s love for Israel. Christian teachers likewise thought of it as illustrating
of Christ’s love for the Church. Although its imagery may be embarrassingly
sensuous, few would strike it from Sacred Scripture. It dramatically testifies of the goodness of
sexual love in marriage.
Read before
Christmas, the Song of Songs indicates Christ’s passion to come the world. He loves it so much that he runs to it. Like a smitten lover, he sees the beauty of
the beloved in the midst of many faults.
The beloved as well yearns for her lover. When he comes close, she is like John leaping
in his mother’s womb.
We can
rejoice that the celebration of Christmas is at hand. The general goodwill renews our faith that
Christ has redeemed the world of its sin.
The efforts of family members reinforce our perception that family and
culture are integral to faith. The way
the world seems to stop to give tribute to Jesus reassures us that our hope is
viable.
