December 21 2018 - The light of God's love

Throughout the church year, we do not read very often from the Song of Songs, yet this book has been the favorite of many great Saints.  The Song of Songs has been called “the Great Love Story between God and the Soul”, yet, it is the only book of the Bible that never once mentions the name of God.  But when you read it, with the eyes of faith, you find God everywhere, in the symbolism of this book’s poetry, and song-like dialogues.

Song of Songs is a series of love poems about a Bride and her Groom.  The traditional Jewish interpretation identifies the Groom as the God and the Bride as the people of Israel.  Early Christian interpreters understood the Groom as Jesus and the Bride as the Church.  Especially in light of Saint Paul who refers to the Church as the Bride of Christ several times.  In just a few short verses, we realize that the Bride and Groom in the Song of Songs are passionately in love.  If you wish to more deeply encounter the love God has for you, meditate with the eyes of faith, on the Song of Songs!

The Song of Songs is very appropriate for Advent.  For as two lovers joyfully anticipate being in each other’s presence, they call out to each other, they speak their desire for each other, so the Church joyfully and passionately awaits Christ.

Hark! my lover–here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills.

He rises over the mountains, much like the rays of the morning sun. Which is why, in the O Antiphon for today, the Church calls out to Christ, “O Oriens” O Rising Sun, O Radiant Dawn, come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. On the eve of the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, the Church announces Christ as light.

I hope your advent preparations have helped you encounter this God who loves you.  I hope you have encountered Him as light that pierces through the darkness of your life.  Each of us have struggles, anxieties, darkness.  The relationship with Christ may not eliminate the darkness from your life, but in Christ we encounter the light shining in the darkness, a love which accompanies us amidst all of our worldly trials. This light is so powerful, that even in the midst of darkness, we are able to cry out with St. Paul, “death, where is thy sting?” Darkness may be present, but it has no power over the Christian who walks in the light.

Rejoice, the Lord, our Lover is coming to meet us. Let us open our arms and hearts to Him for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

We raise up our prayers of petitions, as we await with longing the Advent of Christ the Lord.
That those in the darkness of error and faithlessness may be enlightened by the light of Christ through the witness of the Church
For the protection of the unborn, and the overturning of all laws lacking respect for the dignity of human life.
That those struggling with winter depression or addiction may find peace and joy in Christ.
That Christ may banish disease, drive out hunger, ward off every affliction, and strengthen all who suffer persecution for the sake of the Gospel.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord.