Saint Ephrem (c.306-373)
deacon in Syria, Doctor of the Church
Hymn
“The shepherds … glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen.”
Come, Moses, show us that bush on top of the mountain whose flames danced on your face (Ex 3:2): it is the child of the Most High who became visible from the womb of the Virgin Mary and who illumined the world when he came. Glory to him from every creature, and blessed is she who bore him!
Come, Gideon, show us that fleece and the sweet dew (Judg 6:37), explain to us the mystery of your word: the fleece is Mary who received the dew, the Word of God. He manifested himself in creation through her and redeemed the world from error.
Come, David, show us the city that you saw and the plant that germinated there: Mary is the city, the plant which came forth from there is our Savior whose name is Dawn (Zech 3:8, LXX).
The tree of life that was guarded by the cherubim with a sword of fire (Gen 3:24) now dwells in Mary, the pure Virgin, and Joseph guards it. The cherubim have laid down their sword, for the fruit they were guarding was sent from the height of heaven even to the exiles in their abyss. Eat of it, everyone, mortal human beings, and you shall live. Blessed be the fruit that the Virgin bore.
Blessed be the one who came down and dwelt in Mary and who came forth from her to save us. Blessed are you, Mary, who were considered to be worthy to be the mother of the Son of the Most High, you who bore the Ancient One who had given birth to Adam and Eve. He came forth from you, the sweet fruit filled with life, and through him, the exiles again have access to paradise.
Daily Marriage Tip for January 1, 2019:
Today on Mary’s feast day, ask our Blessed Mother to bless your family throughout this new year. “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.”