The flowers appear on the earth;
the time of singing has come,
and the voice of the turtledove
is heard in our land.
The fig tree puts forth its figs,
and the vines are in blossom;
they give forth fragrance.
Arise, my love, my fair one,
and come away.
Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm;
for love is strong as death,
passion fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
a raging flame.
Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it.
If one offered for love
all the wealth of his house,
it would be utterly scorned.
– Song of Solomon 2:12-13; 8:6-7
Dear People of St. David’s,
Thirty-three years ago today, Brian and I joined in Holy Matrimony in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania not far from the home in which he grew up in Wyncote. My main memories were first that the day before it went from a stormy hundred degrees to clear blue skies and 80-degree weather. Second, I could not stop smiling throughout the entire ceremony and reception. Any cares about organizing the event were lifted away and only joy remained. The Holy Spirit filled us to the brim and has continued to fill our life together with extraordinary blessings.
This summer has been one of helping to prepare numerous couples for those same vows of Holy Matrimony. Some have chosen the verse above from Song of Solomon. This one has special meaning for me because it is the first song I sang and played on the guitar for Brian when we began our relationship together.
Renowned scholar and theologian Rabbi Johnathan Sacks wrote that the Song of Solomon is “one of the central books of Tanach and the key that unlocks the rest” because it is about love as the holiest part of human life. Using powerful imagery, it relates to us the magnitude of this “marriage contract” with God. Reminding us of our own baptismal covenant to believe, practice our faith, love all people, and strive for justice and peace.
These lines of ancient Hebrew poetry about love invite us into relationship with God through the senses. To see, hear, and smell the gifts of creation, enfolded in God’s care. So, as we celebrate anniversaries, weddings, baptisms, and enjoy the bounty of this season of growth, we ground ourselves in the fierce strength of God’s love for us. Amen.
Grace and Peace,
The Rev. Tanya Regli
Associate Rector
Published on July 16, 2026.