Author Topic: The Canticle of Canticles (Read 3500 times)

Vladimir · « **on:** March 29, 2010, 10:44:26 PM »

In my opinion this is one of the most beautiful books in the Holy Bible.

I am looking for writings of the saints that are available for free online that offer commentary into the symbolism of this book. Does anyone know where such a book is available?

Matthew · « **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2010, 11:42:43 PM »

I have different "favorite books" of the Bible.

The book of Tobias is up there, for being touching and beautiful (I know beautiful is an over-used word, but the story is really better than any tear-jerker that Hollywood could ever come up with)

For personal enjoyment and fascination, I enjoy the historical books of the Old Testament (Genesis, Judges, Paralipomenon, Kings 1-4, etc.)

For spiritual edification, I like the Gospel of St. Matthew. If I've read enough St. Matthew I might read St. John, and then maybe the first few chapters of St. Luke (for the unique St. Luke stuff). St. Mark is a miracle-fest, almost a Cliffs Notes of the Gospel.

I also enjoy the Sapiential books (books of wisdom): Ecclesiasticus, Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, etc. for insight and ...wisdom, of course.

Vladimir · « **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2010, 11:49:09 PM »

To my great embarrassment, I have never read an entire Gospel through. I think that the only books that I have read completely through are Ecclesiasticus, Ecclesiastes, a few of the Epistles, and the Apocalypse.

I too love to read the Wisdom books. They are so in tune with human nature and the spiritual life.

My problem is that I don't own a Douay-Rheims Bible...I have other translations, but not as beautiful.

Ladislaus · « **Reply #3 on:** March 31, 2010, 07:54:02 PM »

Quote from: Vladimir

My problem is that I don't own a Douay-Rheims Bible...

http://www.drbo.org/

Caio di Corea · « **Reply #4 on:** April 02, 2010, 12:55:16 AM »

There's a commentary for the Psalms (Divine Office) by St. Liguori http://www.archive.org/stream/alphonsusworks14liguuoft#page/n11/mode/2up

Caminus · « **Reply #5 on:** April 12, 2010, 12:40:41 PM »

For Vlad:

Song of Songs: A Mystical Exposition by Juan Gonzalz Arintero (previously published by TAN).

St. Bernard of Clairvaux's sermons On the Song of Songs are still in print from Cistercian Publications in a four-volume set.

gladius_veritatis · « **Reply #6 on:** April 12, 2010, 02:48:34 PM »

FWIW, I have the latter and, not surprisingly, St. Bernard's comments are wonderful.

Hobbledehoy · « **Reply #7 on:** April 03, 2011, 01:00:09 AM »

Here is a commentary on the Canticle of Canticles by Saint Francis de Sales: http://www.archive.org/details/themysticalexpla00franuoft

Stubborn · « **Reply #8 on:** April 11, 2011, 11:24:17 AM »

Quote from: Vladimir

In my opinion this is one of the most beautiful books in the Holy Bible.

I am looking for writings of the saints that are available for free online that offer commentary into the symbolism of this book. Does anyone know where such a book is available?

I am in complete agreement - it is certainly one of the most beautiful books in the Holy Bible.

The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus de Liguori as numerable references to that book and many others.

obediens · « **Reply #9 on:** April 18, 2011, 08:48:31 PM »

The Spiritual Canticle by St. John of the Cross.

Vladimir · « **Reply #10 on:** April 19, 2011, 12:54:13 PM »

Quote from: Stubborn

Quote from: Vladimir
In my opinion this is one of the most beautiful books in the Holy Bible.

I am looking for writings of the saints that are available for free online that offer commentary into the symbolism of this book. Does anyone know where such a book is available?

I am in complete agreement - it is certainly one of the most beautiful books in the Holy Bible.

The Glories of Mary by St. Alphonsus de Liguori as numerable references to that book and many others.

That's actually how I became interested in the book; St. Alphonsus quotes it often.

Thank you for all the links.