Ave Maria Meditations
THEN God in His mercy was pleased to dwell among us, you alone, O Mary, were privileged to offer the King of kings and the Lord of lords a worthy dwelling in your virginal abode. Truly even God was delighted to remain with you. Rejoice, Virgin most blessed, Mother undefiled, all shall call you blessed.
Mary, the whole world reveres you as the holiest Shrine of the living God, for in you the salvation of the world saw its dawning. The Son of God was pleased to take human form from you. You have broken down the wall of hatred, the battier between heaven and earth which was set up by man’s first disobedience. In you heaven met earth when divinity and humanity were joined in one Person, the God-Man.
Mother of God, we sing your praises, but we must praise you even more. Our speech is too feeble to honor you as we ought, for no tongue is eloquent enough to express your excellence. Mary, most powerful, most holy, worthy of all love! Your name brings new life, and the thought of you arouses love in the hearts of those who are devoted to you.
– St. Bernard
