God chose to be our mother in all things *and so made the foundation of his work, most humbly and most pure, in the Virgin’s womb.

God, the perfect wisdom of all, *arrayed himself in this humble place.

Christ came in our poor flesh *to share a mother’s care.

Our mothers bear us for pain and for death; *our true mother, Jesus, bears us for joy and endless life.

Christ carried us within him in love and travail, *until the full time of his passion.

And when all was completed and he had carried us so for joy, *still all this could not satisfy the power of his wonderful love.

All that we owe is redeemed in truly loving God, *for the love of Christ works in us; Christ is the one whom we love.