The Power of Divine Love: Lessons on Passion and Devotion

Passion and love are important principles in Christianity, as they are seen as reflections of God's love for humanity. Love is a fundamental principle, as it is believed to be the greatest commandment given by Jesus Christ. The Canticle of Canticles, also known as the Song of Songs, is a beautiful expression of love that is often used as a metaphor for the love between God and his people. This biblical text portrays the passionate and intimate love between two lovers, exemplifying the beauty and power of love. While the text has many layers of meaning, on a literal level it reminds us of the power and beauty of human love, and the joy that can be found in a passionate and sensual relationship.

The Canticle of Canticles, is a rather uncommonly known book of the Bible. Many would be surprised to hear that a poem praising sexual love exists within the Bible. However, when examined and analysed, it can provide an exemplary template for our intimate relationships and how to ensure that we obtain true love.

Passion is a key element of love, as it involves strong emotions and intense desire. In the Canticle of Canticles, the lovers express their passion for one another through vivid descriptions of physical beauty and sensuality. This passion is also a reflection of God's love for his people, as God desires to be intimately united with each person. Passion is an important part of any loving relationship, as it helps to create a strong bond between individuals and encourages them to express their feelings openly and honestly.

In the Canticle of Canticles, the love between the two lovers is a symbol of the love between God and his people. This love is characterised by selflessness, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of the other. Love is not simply a feeling, but a choice to act in a way that is in the best interest of the other person. The Christ, in his commandment “Love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 39 KJV), encourages individuals to cultivate a deep and abiding love for God and for their fellow human beings, recognising that this love is the foundation of a just and compassionate society. This commandment not only applies to strangers and to brethren, but also our romantic partners.

The Canticle of Canticles, literarily, is a beautiful love poem that describes the passionate and sensual relationship between two lovers. The text is rich with imagery and metaphor, and the lovers' words are filled with desire, admiration, and longing. The language used in the text is highly suggestive and sensual, with descriptions of the lovers' bodies and the physical pleasure they experience. Overall, the passionate and sensual relationship between the lovers in the Canticle of Canticles is a beautiful expression of love and desire. It is a celebration of the physical intimacy between two lovers, and a recognition of the deep emotional connection that exists between them.

The lovers in the Canticle of Canticles are often interpreted as being symbolic of the relationship between God and humanity, or between Christ and his Church. However, on a literal level, the text describes the love between a man and a woman, and their physical attraction to each other. The lovers are described as being deeply enamoured with each other, and their love is described as being intense and all-consuming. The text is multidimensional, and one interpretation should not be held higher or lower than another — for all are one.

Scholars and Theologians have praised The Canticle of Canticles for its portrayal of divine and passionate love:

• "The Song of Songs has been read as an allegory of the relationship between God and Israel, or between Christ and the Church, but it is also a sensual love poem." - Ariel Bloch and Chana Bloch in The Song of Songs: A New Translation with an Introduction and Commentary

Bloch and Bloch note that while The Canticle of Canticles has been interpreted as various allegories, it can also be appreciated as a sensual love poem that celebrates the beauty and passion of human love.

• "The Song of Songs represents the human soul in a state of spiritual love and as a lover searching for its beloved, who is the divine Word." - Saint Bernard of Clairvaux in On the Song of Songs

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th century French saint and mystic, interpreted The Canticle of Canticles as an allegory of the soul's spiritual journey towards union with God. He believed that the poem's depiction of human love represented the soul's yearning for divine love.

• "The Canticle of Canticles is the most beautiful love poem in the world, a celebration of erotic love, of passionate and intimate love." - Pope Benedict XVI in Theology of the Liturgy

Pope Benedict XVI, a theologian and former Pope, praises The Canticle of Canticles as a beautiful love poem that celebrates the intimacy and passion of human love. He notes that the poem's depiction of human love can also point us towards God's love.

The lovers in the Canticle of Canticles express their desire for each other through both physical and metaphorical language. The man admires the woman's beauty and compares her to a garden, a dove, and a lily among thorns. The woman, in turn, expresses her longing for the man and invites him to come to her, saying "Draw me after you; let us make haste.” (1:4 NRSA) The text also describes the physical pleasure they experience, with descriptions of kisses, embraces, and caresses.

The Canticle of Canticles contains passages that are highly suggestive and sensual, such as the descriptions of the lovers' bodies and the physical pleasure they experience. In chapter 2, verses 10-13, the lover compares his beloved to a beautiful flower. "Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth its figs, and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away."

Here we can see the beauty and joy of true love and passion, as the lover urges his beloved to join him in celebrating the arrival of spring and the blossoming of the natural world. The imagery of the flowers and the fragrance of the figs and vines evoke a sense of delight and enchantment, as the lovers revel in the beauty of the world around them and in their own love for each other.

Another vivid passage is found in Chapter 7, verses 1-9, where the lover describes the physical beauty of his beloved. "How beautiful are your feet in sandals… The curves of your thighs are like jewels, the work of a master hand. Your navel is a rounded bowl that never lacks mixed wine. Your belly is a heap of wheat, encircled with lilies. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle. Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are pools in Heshbon, by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is like a tower of Lebanon, overlooking Damascus."

This passage illustrates the passionate and sensual nature of true love, as the lover expresses his desire for his beloved through the language of the body. The lover's admiration of his beloved's physical beauty is an expression of his deep emotional connection to her, and his desire to be close to her in every way possible.

Through unfortunate miseducations and detrimental cultural forces, we are ocular witnesses to either the unhealthy perversion or the unhealthy prohibition of sexual love. At either end of the spectrum, there arises immutably the question of religion and faith. In the former, we see a degradation of passionate love, to the point where it can be called neither passion nor love; but rather, fleeting, grotesque, and purposeless hedony. In the latter, we see a spiritually, mentally, and emotionally detrimental deprivation of human existence that inhibits us of drawing closer to God via the one we love. Whether through the deceptions of vulgarity or miseducation, we can be easily inclined to view all passion as sinful. But let us not forget that the first duty God gave to humanity via Adam and Eve was “Be fruitful, and multiply” (Genesis 1:28 KJV).

Through all distraction, The Canticle of Canticles provides us a powerful vision of what true love and passion looks like that can inspire us in our own relationships. Through its vivid imagery and passionate prose, the text reminds us of the joy and beauty of being deeply in love with another person, and encourages us to cultivate this passion in our own lives. The Canticle of Canticles reminds us that true love and passion are essential aspects of the human experience, and that they can help us to live more fully and joyfully in the world. The text captures the essence of true love and passion, and offers insights into how we can cultivate these qualities in our own relationships.

In addition to being a beautiful expression of love between two human lovers, the Canticle of Canticles can also be interpreted as a passionate and divinely sensual conversation between the Holy Spirit and his spouse, the Immaculate Virgin Mary.

Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus Christ. By this virtue, she enjoyed a unique and intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.

In this interpretative dimension, the language can be understood as the Holy Spirit speaking to Mary, expressing his love and desire for her. The imagery used in the text, such as the descriptions of gardens, fountains, and fruit, can be seen as metaphors for the spiritual and divine physical intimacy between the Holy Spirit and Mary.

In the Bible, gardens, fountains, and fruit are often used as symbols of abundance, beauty, and fertility. These images are also associated with the Virgin Mary, who is often depicted in art and literature as a source of spiritual nourishment and renewal. One of these images to describe Mary can be found in the very same Canticle of Canticles. In chapter 4, verse 12 (NRSV), the lover addresses his beloved with the words, "A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a garden locked, a fountain sealed." This passage manifests Mary's virginity and her role as the mother of Jesus, who is seen as the fountain of eternal life.

Similarly, in regards to the images of fruit; In the Gospel of Luke (1:42), Elizabeth greets Mary with the words, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!" This is a reference to Jesus, who is the fruit of Mary's womb and the fruit of eternal life.

Finally, the image of the fountain is used in the Bible to describe the source of spiritual nourishment and renewal. In the book of Isaiah, chapter 12, verse 3 (KJV), it is written, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation." This verse manifests Mary’s role as the source of grace and salvation for all who turn to her in prayer and trust. For she is the garden which houses the fountain of eternal life — who is Christ.

In the Bible, the Tree of Life is a symbol of eternal life and divine grace, and it is often associated with the Garden of Eden. In the New Testament, the image of the Tree of Life is used to describe the relationship between Mary and Jesus, with Mary as the Tree of Life and Jesus as the fruit.

One biblical reference to Mary as the Tree of Life is found in the Book of Sirach, also known as Ecclesiasticus, which is a wisdom book of the Old Testament. In chapter 24, Mary speaks in the first person and describes herself as a tree: "I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue.” (24-26 DRC1752)

This image of Jesus as the fruit of the Tree of Life is further developed in the Book of Revelation, which describes a vision of the heavenly Jerusalem. In chapter 22, verses 1-2, the vision includes the Tree of Life bearing fruit that is available for the healing of the nations: "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city. On either side of the river is the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, producing its fruit each month; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” (KJV)

The connection between Mary as the Tree of Life and Jesus as the fruit is made explicit in the Gospel of John, where Jesus describes himself as the bread of life that comes down from heaven. In chapter 6, verse 51, Jesus says, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” Mary bore the bread that has been given for the life of the world and offered him to humanity so that we may live by his sacrifice. The imagery of Mary as the Tree of Life and Jesus as the fruit emphasises the connection between the divine grace that flows through Mary and the eternal life that is offered through Jesus.

In this dimension, these passages can be seen as a celebration of the physical intimacy between Mary and the Holy Spirit, a love that is both divine and human. This interpretation highlights the Christian belief in the importance of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit, and the belief that physical pleasure within the context of divine attribution is a holy and blessed thing.

Overall, the Canticle of Canticles is a powerful expression of love and passion that is open to a variety of interpretations. When seen as a conversation between the Holy Spirit and his spouse, the Immaculate Virgin Mary, it highlights the deep and intimate relationship that exists between God and humanity (but also between two people) and the importance of love and physical intimacy within the context of a loving relationship.

The Holy Spirit and Mary are often referred to as being espoused in Catholic theology, and this is reflected not only in her pure impregnation by the Holy Spirit, but also in the bridal imagery that is present throughout the Canticle of Canticles. The text describes the lovers as being like a bridegroom and bride, with the bride adorned in jewels and the groom expressing his love and admiration for her. This imagery is often interpreted as referring to the relationship between the Holy Spirit and Mary, with Mary being the bride and the Holy Spirit as the bridegroom. The bridal imagery in the Canticle of Canticles highlights the deep and intimate relationship between the Holy Spirit and Mary, and their mutual love and devotion to each other.

Mary's relationship with God is also characterised by a deep sense of passion and desire. She is often described as being consumed by her love for God, and her devotion to him is seen as an expression of her deep emotional connection to him. In this sense, Mary's relationship with God is one of intense passion and desire, with her love for him being all-consuming and all-encompassing.

Based on the principles of Christianity and the Canticle of Canticles, true love is more than just a fleeting feeling or a passing emotion. Instead, true love is a divinely inspired bond that unites us with another person and, in doing so, brings us closer to God. We should accept and perceive true love as a journey, rather than a destination, that requires effort, commitment, and sacrifice. It is a love that is not self-seeking, but seeks to elevate the other person and bring them closer to God.

To accept true love, we must be willing to entrust ourselves to another person, with the understanding that they will love and cherish us as God loves us. This means being open and vulnerable, and willing to give of ourselves in a way that is selfless and sacrificial. We must also recognise that true love is not always easy, and that it requires hard work and dedication to sustain. However, by entrusting ourselves to another person in this way, we are also entrusting ourselves to God, who will guide and sustain us on our journey.

In perceiving true love, we should see it as a continuous elevation of ourselves, a constant and ever-growing euphoria that brings us closer to God. True love is not a passive emotion, but an active choice to love and be loved in a way that reflects the love of God. By embracing true love in this way, we can experience the transformative power of love, which has the ability to change us, and the world around us, in ways that are truly divine.

At the same time, Mary's relationship with God is also one of deep trust and surrender. She is seen as the perfect example of humility and submission, and her willingness to surrender herself completely to God's will is seen as an expression of her deep love and devotion to him. This sense of trust and surrender is also seen as an essential element of any truly passionate and intimate relationship, as it allows the lovers to truly open themselves up to each other and to experience a deep sense of emotional and spiritual connection.

The passionate relationship between Mary and God is characterised by a deep sense of unity, intimacy, and trust. It is a reflection of the love between God and his people, and an expression of the deep emotional and spiritual connection that can be experienced in a truly passionate and intimate relationship.

The passion between Jesus and Mary is a central theme in Christian theology and devotion. As mother and son, their relationship is one of deep love, trust, and devotion to God. Their passion is a testament to the deep love, trust, and devotion that they share as mother and son. Their relationship is a model of faith and love for Christians.

In the Gospels, there are several instances that reveal the passion between Jesus and Mary. One of the most poignant is the scene at the foot of the cross, where Mary stands weeping as Jesus is crucified. In John 19:25-27, Jesus sees his mother standing near the cross, and he speaks to her and the disciple whom he loved, saying, "Woman, behold your son!" and to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" This scene is often interpreted as a testament to the deep love and care that Jesus has for his mother, even in the midst of his suffering and death.

Another moment that reveals the passion between Jesus and Mary is the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs his first adult miracle by turning water into wine at Mary's request. In John 2:1-11, Mary notices that the wedding party has run out of wine and tells Jesus, "They have no wine." Jesus responds, "Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come." However, he ultimately follows Mary's request and turns the water into wine, demonstrating his love and devotion to his mother. The reason why this scene is so critical in the story of Christ not only rests on the premise that this was the first miracle Christ performed in his adult mission. This miracle would have revealed himself as supernatural. Jesus did not respond out of defiance, but rather, worry. By initialising this miracle, he would have initialised his Gospel and begun his journey to Calvary. Nonetheless, he honoured Mary’s motherly request and fulfilled her wish.

The death of Jesus on the cross was a painful and anguishing experience not only for him but also for his mother. As a mother, she had to witness the brutal torture and execution of her son, which caused her unimaginable pain and suffering. In that moment, Mary's heart suffered the separation from her son, just like the separation between two lovers.

But the love between Jesus and Mary was so strong that it could not be separated even by a force as strong as death. On Easter Sunday, when Jesus appeared to his mother, by virtue of her devotion and love, she was rewarded with an overwhelming moment of passion and joy. Mary saw her son again after experiencing the agony of his death, and she embraced him, feeling the warmth of his body and the beating of his heart. It was a moment of true reunion, where the pain and separation of Calvary were replaced by the ecstatic joy of being reunited with the one whom her soul loved.

Many saints and theologians throughout history have affirmed the belief that Jesus appeared to his Mother Mary first after his death, and saw it as a special and meaningful moment in the story of salvation:

• Saint Anselm: "It is piously believed that the Lord first appeared to his mother in order that a woman's tears might blot out the sin which Eve's joy had brought into the world." (Sermon 51)

Saint Anselm, a Doctor of the Church who lived in the 11th century, saw Mary's encounter with the risen Christ as a symbol of the redemption of humanity. He believed that Mary's tears, shed out of love for her son, had the power to reverse the effects of Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden.

• Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: "It was fitting that the mother should be the first to see the Son after he rose from the dead, just as she had been the first to see him when he was laid in the manger." (Homily 2)

Saint Bernard, a Doctor of the Church who lived in the 12th century, emphasized the continuity between Christ's birth and his resurrection. He saw Mary's role as the first witness to both events as a sign of her unique place in salvation history.

• Saint Ignatius of Loyola: "Mary met Jesus first after the Resurrection, and Jesus comforted her." (Spiritual Exercises, Fourth Week)

Saint Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits who lived in the 16th century, believed that Mary's encounter with the risen Christ was a moment of consolation and joy for her, after the anguish of seeing him suffer and die on the cross.

• St. Alphonsus Liguori: "It was just that the first visit of Jesus after his resurrection should be made to his mother, who had suffered so much for his love." (Glories of Mary, Chapter IV)

Saint Alphonsus, a Doctor of the Church who lived in the 18th century, emphasised the love between Jesus and Mary as the reason for their reunion after the Resurrection. He saw it as a moment of reward for Mary's faithfulness and devotion to her son.

• Saint Thomas Aquinas: "It is probable that Christ first appeared to his mother after his resurrection, for the sake of honoring her before the apostles and also on account of the singular affection he had for her." (Summa Theologica, III, 55, 4)

Saint Thomas, a Doctor of the Church who lived in the 13th century, believed that Jesus' appearance to Mary was both an act of honor and a reflection of their special relationship. He saw Mary as the first among believers to be united with Christ after his triumph over death.

These and many other saints have testified to the belief that Jesus appeared to his Mother Mary first after his death, seeing it as a moment of profound significance for both of them and for the entire Christian community.

The prophecy of Simeon, which predicted that Mary's heart would be impaled seven times, speaks to the emotional intensity of their relationship. The seven wounds represent the seven sorrows that Mary experienced during her life, including the death of Jesus on the cross. But despite the pain and heartbreak, their love remained strong, and they were able to reunite in joy and passion.

The reunion between Mary and her son, Jesus, was a moment of indescribable passion and overwhelming joy. As Mary gazed upon her beloved son, she was filled with an intense longing that had been building within her since the moment of his death on the cross.

As Jesus drew closer, Mary could feel the warmth of his body and the beating of his heart. She reached out to embrace him, feeling his arms encircle her in a loving embrace. Tears streamed down her face, as she basked in the radiance of his presence, knowing that they would never be separated again.

The reunion between Mary and Jesus was a testament to the power of true love, which can conquer even death and bring us to the heights of divine ecstasy. It was a moment of ultimate fulfilment, where all of the pain and heartbreak of their earthly existence was left behind, and they were able to be together in perfect harmony and unity.

Next, The act of Pentecost was a momentous event in the history of Christianity, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Twelve Apostles and the beginning of the Church. During this event, the Virgin Mary was present with the Twelve Apostles, and she too experienced a profound and ecstatic union with the Holy Spirit.

According to the Bible and tradition, Mary was in the upper room with the Twelve Apostles when the Holy Spirit descended upon them. The Spirit filled the room with a mighty wind and tongues of fire appeared above the heads of the apostles. As they began to speak in different languages, Mary also received the gift of the Spirit and was filled with an invigorating sense of passion and zeal.

In this moment of intimate union with the Holy Spirit, Mary was able to fully embrace her role as the Mother of the Church and Queen of the Twelve Apostles. She was filled with joy and excitement as she witnessed the apostles' transformation and the birth of a new community of believers. She became a source of encouragement and inspiration for the apostles, helping them to spread the Gospel and to establish the Church.

St. Thomas Aquinas, wrote extensively about the Holy Spirit in his Summa Theologica. He described the Holy Spirit as the love that exists between the Father and the Son. By this, Mary's unity with the Holy Spirit is further revealed. As the Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Mary's presence at Pentecost is significant. She is the Vessel of Love. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that Mary "prayed with the Apostles and received the Holy Spirit for them; by her prayers she cooperated in the birth of the Church" (CCC 963). Mary's intimate union with the Holy Spirit allowed her to be a powerful intercessor for the Apostles, and her presence at Pentecost highlights her role as a model of faith and devotion for all believers.

As Mary's earthly mission drew close to its conclusion, she was called home to be reunited with her son, Jesus, in a final and ultimate embrace. Her heart was filled with a fierce passion and longing for her beloved, and she eagerly anticipated the moment when they would be together once again. As she ascended into heaven, Mary was enveloped in a radiant glow of divine light, her face shining with a pure and radiant beauty. Her heart pounded with a fierce intensity, as she drew ever closer to her beloved son. And then, in a moment of indescribable joy and ecstasy, Mary was reunited with Jesus once again. She felt his strong embrace and the warmth of his body against hers, as they were united in a bond of perfect love and harmony.

When Mary was assumed into heaven, she was once again reunited with her beloved son, Jesus. It was a moment of ultimate joy and ecstasy, where the pain and separation of earthly life were left behind, and they were able to be together once more; yet this time, endlessly. This reunion represents the ultimate fulfilment of their passionate love for each other, where they were finally able to be together forever.

For Mary, the assumption into heaven was not an ending, but a new beginning - a chance to be with her beloved son for all eternity, free from the constraints of earthly life. As she gazed upon his radiant face and felt the overwhelming passion of their reunion, she knew that nothing could ever tear them apart again.

In that moment, Mary and Jesus were united in a bond of pure and perfect love, transcending all boundaries of time and space. Their love burned with an intensity that could never be extinguished, a flame that would endure for all eternity.

The assumption of Mary into heaven is a testament to the power of love, which can conquer even death and bring us to the heights of divine ecstasy. It is a reminder that our ultimate destiny is to be reunited with our beloved Creator, and to bask in the radiance of his love and grace for all eternity.

In the end, the reunion between Mary and Jesus reminds us that true love knows no bounds and can never be truly extinguished. It is a force that endures beyond the trials and tribulations of this life, bringing us closer to the divine and uniting us in a bond that transcends time and space. The passion between Jesus and Mary was a love that could not be separated by death. It is a testament and example of the power of true love, which can overcome even the greatest of obstacles and bring us to ultimate fulfilment and happiness — eternity.

In conclusion, the life of the Virgin Mary teaches us much about love, passion, and the divine nature of our relationships. Mary's passionate and faithful union with God, her espousal to the Holy Spirit, and her deep love for her son, Jesus, serve as powerful examples of how true love is meant to be lived. Her willingness to surrender herself to the will of God and allow herself to be filled with the Holy Spirit reminds us of the importance of faith and trust in our relationships, while her unwavering commitment to Jesus shows us the strength and endurance that love requires.

From Mary, we learn that love is not just an emotion, but a commitment and a choice. It requires sacrifice, vulnerability, and a willingness to give ourselves fully to the other person. Like Mary, we must be willing to entrust ourselves to our partners, to open ourselves up to the transformative power of love and allow it to bring us closer to God.

Ultimately, Mary's example teaches us that true love is rooted in the divine, and that by seeking to love as God loves, we can experience a love that is passionate, transformative, and everlasting. May we all strive to follow in her footsteps and live our lives in love, faith, and devotion to God.

Mary is an exemplary figure not only for her profound love and passion for God but also for her human and emotional experience of love. From her betrothal to Joseph, her chaste Guardian, to her intimate union with the Holy Spirit, The sorrows of her Motherhood, and ultimately her reunion with her son in heaven, Mary experienced the highs and lows of love. She teaches us that true love is not merely an emotional feeling or an ephemeral attraction but rather a constant and ever-growing elevation of oneself. It is a journey that requires self-sacrifice, perseverance, and an openness to God's will.

In learning from Mary, we see that love is not merely about personal pleasure or gratification but rather about unity with God and others, namely our partners. Mary's union with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost shows us that true love involves a deep spiritual connection with God, which enriches and enlivens all of our human relationships. This is exemplified by her espousal to the Holy Spirit and the subsequent birth of Jesus, which ultimately led to the salvation of humanity.

Moreover, Mary teaches us that love is not immune to pain and suffering. Her heart was pierced with sorrow at the foot of the cross, yet she remained steadfast in her love for her son and continued to trust in God's plan. This teaches us that love requires not only joy but also sacrifice and endurance.

Mary's life teaches us that true love is a journey that requires self-sacrifice, perseverance, and an openness to God's will. Her experiences of love show us that love is not merely an emotional feeling, as deep as it may be; but also a profound spiritual connection with God and others, which enriches and enlivens our hearts. We can learn from Mary's example to embrace love in all its forms, even amidst pain and suffering, and to strive towards a deeper unity with God and others.

To summarise, the Canticle of Canticles and the Bible offer us guidance and insight into the nature of true love. From the passionate and sensual dialogue between the lovers in the Canticle of Canticles, to the selfless and sacrificial love of Jesus and Mary in the Bible, we are given a clear picture of what true love entails. By seeking God's guidance and following the examples set by Mary and Jesus, we can cultivate a love that is pure, selfless, and passionate - a love that reflects the very nature of God himself. True love is not just an emotion or feeling, but a continuous elevation of oneself and a constant striving towards God and the divine. It is a love that is rooted in sacrifice, trust, and selflessness.

Conclusion

The teachings of the Church, the Canticle of Canticles, and the examples set by the Bible and Mary provide valuable insights into building and maintaining healthy relationships. Couples can learn from the passionate and unconditional love shared between Mary and Jesus, how she surrendered herself to the Holy Spirit and her Son.

In my coaching, I draw upon the principles of divine love and self-giving to help couples work through issues and strengthen their bond. I can encourage couples to create a relationship culture where they can nurture their relationship and grow together; prioritising self-edification as well as absolute unity.

Couples counselling can benefit from the lessons learned from Mary and Jesus. Couples can be encouraged to cultivate a deep love that is rooted in a selfless giving of oneself to the other. Through committed and true love, couples can learn to place the needs of the other before their own, as Mary did for Jesus. By trusting in God and their Divine union with each other, couples can experience a unity that transcends human love and helps them to overcome the challenges of life together.

In couples work, there are several aspects that can be drawn from the aforementioned about true love and healthy relationships. Firstly, the importance of trust and commitment in a relationship can be emphasised. Just as Mary entrusted herself to the Holy Spirit and committed to God's will, couples must trust and commit to each other in their relationship. Additionally, the need for open and honest communication can be highlighted, as exemplified in the passionate dialogues between the lovers in the Canticle of Canticles.

The importance of forgiveness and reconciliation can also be emphasised, as demonstrated in the passionate relationship between Jesus and Mary. Through devotion for each other, Couples must learn to forgive and reconcile after conflicts or misunderstandings.

Couples work can draw from the importance of true love in mental health and well-being. Having a healthy romantic relationship can have positive effects on mental health, including lower levels of depression and anxiety. The principles of true love, such as trust, commitment, forgiveness, and communication, can be applied to help couples improve their mental health and overall well-being.

The teachings of the Bible, the Canticle of Canticles, and the passionate relationship between Mary and Jesus can guide couples in developing and maintaining healthy and fulfilling relationships. By applying the principles of true love, couples can improve their communication, trust, commitment, forgiveness, and overall well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful relationship. Furthermore, clinical psychology can utilise these teachings to assist couples in improving their mental health and overall well-being.

The principles of true love taught in the Canticle of Canticles, the passionate relationship between Mary and the Holy Spirit, and the unconditional love of Jesus for his mother are valuable resources for couples to learn from. By applying these principles, couples can build and maintain a healthy and loving relationship that can withstand the test of time. Whether it is through the teachings of the Church, the Canticle of Canticles, or the examples of Mary and Jesus, the message is clear:

true love is selfless, self-giving, and rooted in the divine.

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