The princess relishes the time she spends with her king. Often she finds herself driven by an impulsive passion to kiss her Lover. When they are at the market, she desires to kiss him. When they are on the street, she desires to kiss him. When they are at a restaurant, she desires to kiss him (8).
However, unwritten rules for social conduct and prejudice press her to restraint (1). It is not as though no one kisses in public. Two family members, perhaps siblings may greet each other with a friendly kiss. She whispers to her master, “If only you were to me as a brother. Then, if I found you outside, I would kiss you, and no one would despise me.” (2) He chuckles.
Human impulses and passions often need to be held in check for various reasons, sometimes for good reasons and others not so good reasons. When confronted with social demands some chose to abide by them, and others reject them to the point of being disruptive.
Jesus confronted some religious and social unwritten rules for conduct and prejudice to the point of being disruptive. He overturned money changer tables in the temple. He healed on the Sabbath. He changed the procedure and meaning of Passover. He claimed he was the Messiah. He accepted and forgave the gentiles, tax collectors, and social outcasts.
Jesus peacefully overturned social injustices. Then Jesus taught the way to love God and others. His guidelines for proper loving were harmonious with justice and righteousness. Many happily accepted them. Others arrested and crucified him.
The maiden’s rhetoric considered, “If only there was a sociable way for me to express my love for you with a public passionate kiss like I was your little sister greeting you in the street with a kiss.” “If only…”
