The Bride of the Song of Songs is delighted to simply sit and rest in her Beloved’s shade and let him restore her with his sweet fruit. St. Teresa of Avila explains that verses 2:3-10 of the Song of Songs are actually describing an encounter with Christ the Bridegroom that we are all invited to experience. This Doctor of the Church and teacher of the art of prayer, says that this passage illustrates the joy of contemplative prayer.
“As an apple tree among the trees of the orchard, so is my Beloved among the young men. In his longed-for shade I am seated and his fruit is sweet to my taste. He has taken me to his banquet hall, and the banner he raises over me is love. Feed me with raisin cakes, restore me with apples, for I am sick with love. His left arm is under my head, his right embraces me.” The Bride, Song of Songs 2:3-10
I don’t know about you, but I certainly long for and need a rest in the Bridegroom’s shade! If you too long to taste the sweet fruit of Christ’s love in quiet prayer then I invite you to come to Cleveland the weekend on May 30th. Hope’s Garden will be hosting a benefit dinner on Friday evening and an all day retreat with the Bridegroom on Saturday. You can find all the details on our website linked below.
The video below is a prayerful meditation that will give you a taste of what it is like to sit in the shade of Christ the Apple Tree and simply let Him love you. May you delight in His fruit that is sweet!
