(Sg 2:8-14; Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3,11-12,20-21; Lk 1:39-45)
My dearest Lord,
The darkness is unbearable since I left you. Enticed by the false love of others, I walked away, leaving you in tears. Tempted by the father of lies, I was convinced that I didn’t need you. I didn’t need love. Lust and greed would suffice.
For a while, it seemed OK. I quickly drifted into the arms of those I thought were my comfort. They made me forget my problems – the sin that is always before me. A whirlwind of emotions … from cold to hot, bright light to dark darkness. Momentarily feelings of happiness, giving way to extended periods of dark.
The darkest of all days.
The dark night of the soul.
Oh, how I long for your forgiveness. I long for your love. I long for your tender words that brighten my day, the tender touch of your hands, the healing kisses of your grace.
Are you listening? Are you there?
I fear, as the days get darker, that you have forgotten me. You have found others to love. You no longer need my affection or my attention. Why would you? I am nothing.
And yet, you hear my cries. You open your arms. You tug on my heart, pulling me ever closer to yours.
I resist. How can this be? Lord, I am not worthy … but if you just say the word!
Tell me Lord, would you come to me again? Would you brighten my days, even after I was such a disappointment?
With a heavy heart, I will await your reply.
(The Lord responds … as told in today’s first reading from the Song of Songs)
Hark! my lover–here he comes springing across the mountains, leaping across the hills.
My lover is like a gazelle or a young stag. Here he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattices.
My lover speaks; he says to me, “Arise, my beloved, my dove, my beautiful one, and come! “For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines, in bloom, give forth fragrance. Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!”
My heart fills with joy as I heed your call and run back into your arms, my Lord.
Love me. Lead me on your path. Never let me go! I am yours and you are mine. Together, we are one.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior, for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
Again.
And again.
My darkness soon fades … replaced by the glory of a bright light … the same light that filled the darkness where shepherds watched over their flock, so many years ago.
