As an addendum to the last post that connects Song 2:4’s “wine bar” to the “upper room” of the Last Supper, I’d like to share this short, yet lovely piece by Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153) that connects it to the “upper room” of Pentecost!

The feast of this Song is rich with flavors – none more important than another. Each will just dance on your tongue when it’s time.

 

 

“He has taken me to the banquet hall, and his banner over me is love” (Song 2:4)
By Bernard of Clairvaux (1903-1153)

The bride is giddy when she returns to her friends after intimate conversation with the Bridegroom. She seems to be a little tipsy. This startles her friends. They ask what has happened. She explains it was her visit to the banquet hall. She reports that she is drunk with wine-like spiritual love.

When the Holy Spirit came to the disciples, people thought they were intoxicated. Peter said, “These men are not drunk, as you suppose” (Acts 2:15). He does not deny that they are drunk, only that it is not the result of alcohol. They are drunk with the Holy Spirit.

They were in the banquet hall when “suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled up the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). When they emerged, intoxicated after feasting “on the abundance of your house [and drinking] from your river of the lights” (Psalm 36:8), they could honestly say, “He has taking me to the banquet hall.”

This is possible also for you. If you reverently enter a place of prayer, understanding that you are in the Lord’s presence, he will not let you depart empty. [see Luke 11:8]. Moreover, you will not be able to hide what has happened from others. “He has taking me to the banquet hall.” Take care not to seek praise for yourself. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord” (Corinthians 1:31).