So the second compline office has been posted. I think I've decided I like the idea of shorter reflections, seeing as how I don't want to go on forever to bore the few readers I have - if anyone would like any specific item addressed, feel free to ask in writing and with your permission I'll publicly address it (or privately if you'd prefer).
Anyway, the theme I'd like to address in this Sootoro is the frequent imagery in Syriac theology of the mystical wedding feast between the Bridegroom and the Church.
Often times this mysterious allegorical scene is employed in the context of Syriac liturgy. The mystery of crucifixion, as the first Qolo puts it, creates the initial engagement. The witnesses, in the same verse, as made known to be the 12 Apostles and 72 disciples (as well as implicitly the 24 prophets, represented by King David). It is unclear to me whether the act of matrimony is also conflated at the same moment or it comes at a later time, such as resurrection. In several other offices [which particular locations escape me at present moment], there is a request to God that on the day of Judgment we be permitted to enter into the Bridal Chamber. A confirmation in judgment would constitute the equivalent of spiritual consummation of the wedding of the Bridegroom and the Church.
Nonetheless, consummated yet or not, a mystically and inherent bond has been established between Jesus the Messiah and His body in the form of the Church. The theological implications should cause us to act in certain ways - was revealed in the very beginning, the union of man and woman is the absolute (Genesis 2:24). For starters, rejection of Jansenist theology is necessary for, while human nature is lowly, it has already been redeemed and restored by the act of dispensation when Jesus lowered Himself to ourselves so that we may be raised up to Him. A certain accessibility becomes available as prior to God becoming incarnate, only God the Father, who is hidden by nature, was known. Following the incarnation, God has become a concrete reality to demonstrate that, indeed, God is a reality. Not only is it made known that God is a reality, but vivifying theosis is made possible by our joining to Jesus. Furthermore, no part of the Body should spite another part - the mouth in a healthy Body does not bite the hand, as brothers in harmony should work unitarily as opposed to in opposition.
Lastly, what are the obligations one has to a spouse? Does a loving wife calculate the bare minimum as to what she must do to retain her husbands love? This seems to be the metaphoric equivalent of religious legalists who figure days of "obligation" and minimum offices. Instead, should we not strive to show our total devote love to the best of our ability? That certainly does not mean we won't fail - all of us, no matter how holy, will fail many times. The important thing is not to reduce our relationship to the Lord like a stale marriage - calculating minimums - or like an unsustainable marriage - only looking at one's spouse when it feels right. Instead, we must be steadfast in our obligation and serve relentlessly, even when we don't feel like it - it is not a job we can start and stop - once it has begun, there is no rest until the end.
To view the Compline office of Sunday, click here.
Our Lord, accept our service, our prayers, come to our aid and have mercy on us!
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