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. It’s no surprise then how early Christian interpreters saw the Song of Songs fulfilled by Jesus—in his love for the Church. Saint Paul 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. And so, what an appropriate reading for Advent, no? For as two lovers joyfully anticipate being in each other’s presence, calling out to each other, speaking 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 this, the darkest day of the year, the day of the winter solstice, the Church announces Christ as the rising 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. So we must look for him and listen for him especially in the darkness and quiet of prayer!
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.
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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 light and 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.
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