A love story. (Proper A9)
A tryst, a lover's rendezvous, what a beautiful image for the intimacy of our spiritual reality. The lover is called away from her people, her family. Immediately she sets out under starry sky. He comes to her, love worn as wings on his feet, carrying him to her side.
How often we do not hear or care for our lover's voice. Jesus thanked God that so many people didn't get it, because it was God's plan. Jesus as jilted lover stands lamenting his loss and saying,
"Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Paul answers the lovers woeful cry,
"I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate."
I want to Lord, my king, my lover. I want to come to you. I want to follow you. Thank you for your grace that even when I don't hear, even when my members don't agree. You, in your grace come and steal me away from my father's home. Ravish me.