Friday, December 20 : Prudentius

Show yourself, sweet infant, Brought to birth by a mother most pure, Who gave birth to you not knowing man; In both your natures show yourself, O Mediator. Though born in time from the Father’s mouth, Fathered by his word (Lk 1,38), Even now you dwell in the Father’s breast (Jn 1,2) Who are eternal Wisdom (1Cor 1,24). You are the Wisdom who created all (Prv 8,27): The heavens, the light, and all that is. You are the mighty Word who made the world (Heb 1,3), For the Word is God himself (Jn 1,2). When he had set in order the course of ages And fixed the laws of the universe, This builder and Framer of the world Remained in the Father’s breast. But when time had covered Thousands of years, You came down to visit This world so sinful for so long a time. Christ could not bear the fall Of peoples who were lost, Nor allow his Father’s work To descend into nothingness. He put on a mortal body That the resurrection of our flesh Might break the bonds of death and bring us back to the Father… O gracious Virgin, do you not sense how, Despite your sorrowful presentiments, This glorious childbearing Increases the lustre of your virginity? Your most pure womb contains the blessed fruit That fills all creatures with joy. A new world will be born through you: Dawn of a day that shines like gold.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team