Song of Hosea
a Meditation by a
Cloistered Nun
“How Can I Forget
...?”
There
is a very beautiful hymn,
“How Can I Forget and
Leave My Loved one?”,
whose origin appears to
be unknown, but which has
long been so much part of
our own journey, both individually,
and as a Community of Cloistered
Nuns.
It has often been used at
Clothing Ceremonies of Sisters,
and for the Profession of
Vows, in the presence of
a dying sister, and even
for funerals, for it speaks
of the Bridal love of God
for His people Israel, its
speaks of His faithful love
to a wayward people, and
to our our own wayward hearts.
For anyone who has known
God, who has experienced
His love, mercy and forgiveness,
this song will speak poignantly.
It is a staggering reminder
of how great the love of
God was, and
is for His
people. Although they strayed
far from Him, prostituted
themselves amongst the nations,
worshipped false idols,
and and had fallen into
every manner of evil and
idolatry, God never ceased
to love them, never relented
in calling them back to
Himself.
God loved His people passionately,
He loves us
still,
passionately. He wants
our hearts and He is the
most jealous of lovers.
His ear is not bent to idle
words uttered in rote, nor
His eye turned to the trappings
of external worship –
He seeks the very heart.
Your heart! My heart!
If you sincerely take time
to reflect upon it, it is
nothing less than thrilling
how God loves us! Can you
not yet hear the voice of
God calling to you across
the wilderness of this world
and within the desert of
your own heart, "How
can I forget and leave my
loved one?"
Spend some time praying
and contemplating the profound
and beautiful words of this
song, based upon the words
of the Prophet Hosea:
How Can I Forget
and Leave My Loved one?
“How
can I forget and leave
My loved one?
How can I depart from her,
wounded is My heart.
How can I forget that I
am compassion,
How can I depart from her,
nearest to My heart?
O Israel, why have you pierced
My heart?
Why have you gone?
See your love is melting
like the dewdrop,
dry and fallow lies your
ground,
withered is My heart.
How can I forget that I
have made you,
Given you my life and love,
promised you My heart?
How can I forget that you
need Me,
Even though you leave Me
I shall woo your heart.
O Israel why have you gone
so far in search of love?
Can’t you feel the coolness
of My shadow?
Water when you’re thirsting,
rain when you are dry.
I shall call until My heart
will find you.
Lead you to My wilderness,
speaking to your heart.
I shall give you back your
fruit and vineyard.
I shall give you hope and
love
as when you were young.
O Israel how can I keep
you back and make you Mine?
I will heal the wounds inflicted
on you.
Comfort I will bring you,
tender is My heart.
Will you be free? Will you
return to Me,
and be My bride?
I shall make you Mine, My
love forever.
Give Me back your faithful
love
give Me back your heart.
O Israel will you return
to Me
and be My bride?”
May the Holy Ghost breath
upon these words and upon
your heart as you read these
beautiful words, may He
illuminate for you, what
He would have you receive
into the deepest recesses
of your soul ...
A Poor Clare Colettine Nun
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