Interesting … today there is a choice of Old Testament lectionary readings between Song of Songs 2.8-14 or Zephaniah 3.14-18. If most parishes are in any way like mine, I’m guessing they will probably go with Zephaniah. I think the priests in my parish know enough about Biblical Studies to recognize we do not so much treat Songs as allegory anymore. Of verses 11-13 of this Songs text, Longman says they “list a number of phenomena associated with spring. Poetically, it thus invokes a scene of newness, vigor, freshness, joy, expectation — a context for joyous lovemaking.” So, I’m thinking they might skip this concluding verse for this reading in the lectionary during Advent:
“O my dove in the clefts of the rock,
in the secret recesses of the cliff,
Let me see you,
let me hear your voice,
For your voice is sweet,
and you are lovely.” (NAB)
But hey, you never know. If you want to capture the attention of daily mass attendees I’m supposing you could accomplish that with this text.
Related posts on why I like having a lectionary:
Responsorial Psalms: One of My Favorite Parts of Being Catholic