Rachel Fulton of the University of Chicago gave a lecture on the
Assumption of Mary and the Song of Songs at Loyola University, Chicago in
January of this year. She also has published an article on the same, the
exact title I do not know, in _Viator_ 27 (1996)
In her lecture, Fulton noted that the story of Mary's assumption
is not described in the Bible, but is derived from popular legends from
Alexandria. The Song of Songs stood in as a divinely inspired text for
the liturgy. She then led us through the narrative of the Compiegne
Antiphons (late 9th cent.) to show how the Song of Songs, unlike other
Biblical texts, lent itself to the dialogue between Jesus and Mary as he
and the angels welcomed her to heaven.
Fulton pointed out that a liturgical reading could differ from the
Patristic commentaries and force a re-reading. The Church fathers did not
foresee the Song of Songs as a source for the life of Mary. However the
devotional use allowed the worshipers to participate in, and experience,
the love between Mary and Jesus.
She also argued that the words of the liturgy enabled the
worshipers to transcend time. For a moment, they could intersect with the
love between Mary and Christ and experience eternity.
I have taken this summation from my scribbled notes and hope I
have not misrepresented Fulton's work. Please check the article.
Nan Ellen Foley
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