We are enjoined by the Scriptures to love our neighbours as ourselves. In fact, we are to love all, especially members of the household of faith, and also our enemies. Yet, nothing should come between us and our love for God and the work we are to do in the Kingdom. When we love someone else more than ourselves - something definitely has gone wrong because our capacity to love others must be measured by our ability to love ourselves.

Our text deals with the pathetic case of someone who was made to sen/e others at her own detriment. The cruel brothers of the maiden forced her to guard and care for their vineyards, something she could not do for herself. The work was an outdoor job, and beaten by harsh weather, her body turned black.

While now in the city of Jerusalem and in the presence of other girls, her sun-famished skin made her look different from the city girls in their beauty and radiancy. However, despite the terrible exposure and the hard work, the sun did not destroy her beauty.

The lesson is clear, legitimate work regardless of how tasking never kills. Also, her assertion that: ”l am black, but comely...” shows that the Church is sometimes black with persecution, but comely in patience, constancy, and consolation, yet amiable in the eyes of Christ.