Sermons on the Song of Songs

I counsel you, also, my dearest brethren, to collect for yourselves so sweet a little bundle, to place it in the very centre of your hearts, and with it to fortify the entrance thereof against every hostile incursion. So shall the Beloved abide between your breasts, as well. Keep this precious bundle, not behind or upon your backs, but ever before your eyes; otherwise, whilst you bear its burden, you cannot enjoy its fragrance; you feel its weight upon you, but derive no support from its perfume. Remember that the bundle is the Beloved Himself, Whom Simeon took into his arms, Whom Mary bore in her womb, nursed on her lap, and placed as a Bridegroom between her breasts; and, I may add, Who came as the Word of the Lord to the Prophet Zachary and others. We may also believe that Joseph, Mary’s husband, often fondled Him upon his knee. Consider now that all these kept Him before them rather than behind. Do you, therefore, follow their example, and do likewise. For, if you hold before your eyes Him Whom you carry as a little bundle of myrrh, you surely will not forget all He suffered for your sakes; and the memory of that will make your own burdens lighter, through the grace of Him, the Bridegroom of the Church, Who is over all things, God blessed for ever. Amen.