THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
She invited Him to the garden and now to the field, a place not only adorned with flowers but also filled with wheat and barley, symbolizing the steadfast foundations of virtue, to witness its yield. She expresses the desire to rest in the towns where Adam was sent prior (Genesis 3:17) after being expelled from Paradise. In those realms, he found rest but engaged in labor upon the earth. The intention is evident: she wishes for Him to venture into the fields to guide His flock as a faithful Shepherd, rejuvenating the weary and retrieving the lost. Despite having preserved both new and old treasures for Him, there remain some who, like lambs, require nourishment from milk (1 Cor. 3:2).
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Thus, a soul that has reached perfection is not preoccupied with its own needs but cares for others, desiring that He may emerge from the depth of the Father (Jn. 1:18), as the Bridegroom coming forth from His chamber to embark on the journey (Ps. 18:6), ready to accept the weak. He should not linger in the hidden place of the Father or in that light where the powerless cannot tread. Instead, He should be received and brought into the bride's dwelling and her upper room, stepping outside of Himself to dwell within us¹, to be among us (Jn. 1:26), despite His invisibility to our eyes. Hence, she queries, Who will give you to me, my brother, who nurtures at my mother's breasts? If I find you outside, I will embrace you (Song 8:1).
The Church has long condemned the misguided interpreters of this notion, those who would belittle the sanctity of marriage. The Holy Church proclaims: Come, my beloved, let us venture into the field; let us reside in the villages; in the morning, let us wander into the vineyards and see if the vine has blossomed (Song 7:12-13). There is abundant fruit in the field, yet the most fruitful is that which flourishes with a variety of gifts—the field of the Church, rich in blessings. The idle remain in the manor, while the diligent toil in the field; the weak by the hearth, the strong at the plough. The aroma of the field is pleasing, for Jacob's scent is reminiscent of a field full (See: Genesis 27:27). The field is bustling with flowers and diverse fruits. Thus, cultivate your field if you aspire to the kingdom of God. Let your generous land of merit flourish! May your home be filled with vines, and may new olive plants surround your feast (Psalm 127:3). Let your soul beckon to Christ, already aware of its fruitfulness, sown by the Word of God and nurtured by spiritual cultivation, Come, my Brother, let us venture into the field; He will respond, I have entered my garden, my sister is my bride; I have gathered my myrrh (Song 5:1). And what greater harvest exists than that of faith, wherein the fruits of the resurrection are kept and the fountain of eternal joy flows abundantly?