When I read today’s first reading from Song of Songs, I couldn’t help but recall a distinctive memory from the early days of my courtship with my future wife. During an intramural softball game in college, she suddenly appeared on the sidelines of the field. Playing third base, I glanced over in her direction. She smiled at me. My heart skipped a beat. The next groundball skipped by me.
In contrast to my view of my wife, I don’t often think of God in terms of “desire.” I am more comfortable thinking of God in terms of “agape,” the self-giving love of 1 John 4 that we will hear about during the upcoming Christmas season. And yet here the Church is reminding us, four days before Christmas, that God does not just give of God’s self – God desires to be united with us. In the memorable words of the Qur’an, God is already closer to us than our jugular vein (Surah 50:16). And in the marvelous miracle of the Incarnation, God partakes in our very flesh in the human person of Jesus Christ. This should be a cause for great joy, the kind of exhilaration that inspires Elizabeth and her unborn baby to leap and shout … or even the delight that causes a young man in love to take his eye off the ball.
May your heart skip a beat this Christmas.
Jay Carney
I am an Associate Professor of Theology who came to Creighton in 2011. My research and teaching engage Church History and World Christianity, especially modern Africa.
I am married with four children. My wife Becky is a remarkable woman, and our children have given both of us much love and laughter. I grew up in the Washington, DC area and have also lived in Wisconsin and North Carolina among other places. Prior to coming to Creighton, I worked in campus ministry at the University of Arkansas. In my spare time, I enjoy running, cycling, playing soccer, and listening to music of all types.
After years as a reader of Magnificat and then Give Us This Day, I am now seeing the other side! These reflections entail a very different style of writing than academic journal articles, and I’ve also gained newfound respect for the homilist’s task! I feel that I am “preaching” to myself as much as anyone else. It’s wonderful to know that so many people are walking together as disciples of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers!
