Mary’s Womb Has Changed the Order of Things

Ephrem expressed his wonder before the Virgin in inspired tones:

"The Lord entered her and became a servant;

the Word entered her, and became silent within her;

thunder entered her and his voice was still;

the Shepherd of all entered her; he became a Lamb in her,

and came forth bleating.

"The belly of your Mother changed the order of things,

O you who order all! Rich he went in, he came out poor:

the High One went into her [Mary], he came out lowly.

Brightness went into her and clothed himself,

and came forth a despised form....

"He that gives food to all went in, and knew hunger.

He who gives drink to all went in, and knew thirst.

Naked and bare came forth from her the Clother of all things (in beauty."

(Saint Ephrem, Hymn De Nativitate 11: 6-8).

(Given by Benedict XVI at the General Audience of November 28, 2007)