Words And Mary

His auditis, respondit Maria: Ecce ancilla Domini, fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. Quae vocatur ab angelo domina, ipsa se cognoscit et confitetur ancillam. Quia devotus animus infulis beneficiorum crescit ad obsequium: augetur ad gratiam, non ad arrogantiam prosilit, non ad superbiam pertumescit. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuuum. Quae credit verbo, merito concipit Verbum. Sanctus Petrus Chrysologus, Sermo CXLII, De Annuntiantione D Mariae Virginis Source: Migne PL 52.582b

Having heard these words, Mary answered, 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word.' 1 She who was called 'Lady' by the angel, she knew herself to be a handmaid and likewise confessed herself to be one. And this is because the devout soul garlanded with blessings grows to deference, it does not leap up to arrogance, or bloat to pride. 'Let it be done to me according to your word.' She who believed the word, merited to conceive the Word. Saint Peter Chrysologus, from Sermon 142, On The Annunciation 1 Lk 1.38