Joy Made Complete

Who thinks it possible to describe the special kind of submission you showed? Who can describe your soul's feelings, O Virgin most blessed? On the one hand, you see a little child born of you, on the other you perceive the immense God! On the one hand, the creature; on the other, the creator; a weak being and the mightiest of beings; one who needs nourishment and one who nourishes; one who dos not speak and one who teaches the angels!

I say again: who is able to draw back the veil from the mystery hidden in your bosom? How did your spirit manage to endure both thoughts when you held in your arms God himself and the Son of man, and now adored your God, now kissed your little son? Who could fail to be dumbstruck by such an indescribable miracle? Who could fail to be speechless?

A young girl gives birth to her creator and the creator of all; a young girl carries him who rules her and everyone! What a marvelous sight! Not only human nature but even the nature of the angels is left astounded!

-Saint Ambrose Autpert

Saint Ambrose Autpert (778) was a Frankish Benedictine monk who became abbot of San Vicenzo in southern Italy.