“His death on the Cross attests to his birth from the woman. For anyone who dies must have been born as well… Therefore, the human conception of Jesus is demonstrated by his death on the Cross. If anyone denies his birth, the Cross proves him wrong.”
Ephrem the Syrian: Hymns on Nativity 4, 177; CSCO 187, 36; CWS, p.102
“The womb of Sheol conceived him and burst open;
Ephrem the Syrian: Hymns on Nativity 4, 182; CSCO 187, 36-37; CWS, p.103
and how did the womb of Mary sustain Him?
With His voice He split stones upon graves;
and How did Mary’s bosom sustain Him?
You came to humiliation to save all:
Glory to You from all who were saved by You.
Who is able to speak about the hidden Son
Who came down and put on a body in the womb?”
“Who will dare speak to her son
Ephrem the Syrian: Hymns on Nativity 9, 1-4; CSCO 187, 55; CWS, p.125
as in prayer, to the hope of his mother
as God, to her beloved [child] and her son
as man. In fear and love
it is right for Your mother to stand before You ….
I became a haven for Your sake
great Sea. Behold, the psalms
of Your father David and also the words
of the prophets, like ships
discharged in me Your great wealth.”
“A wonder is Your mother: the Lord entered her
Ephrem the Syrian: Hymns on Nativity 11, 6; CSCO 187, 62; CWS p.132
and became a servant; He entered able to speak
and He became silent in her; He entered her thundering
and His voice grew silent; He entered Shepherd of all;
a lamb He became in her; He emerged bleating.”
References:
Gambero, L., 1999. Mary and the Fathers of the Church 1st ed. Translated by Buffer, T., San Francisco: Ignatius Press. p.111-112
