Who will find this strong woman?

Adam had climbed the mountain of pride; the Son of God wanted to descend into the valley of humility. Today He has found a valley to descend into; where is it? Not in you, Eve, mother of our affliction, not in you! But in blessed Mary. She is indeed this valley of Hebron, because of her humility and because of her strength. She is strong, because of her participation in the strength of which it is written: "The Lord is strong and mighty." She is that strong woman whom Solomon sought: "Who will find a strong woman?"

Eve, though created in paradise, without corruption, defilement, infirmity or pain, proved to be so weak, so infirm! "Who will find this strong woman?" Can she be found in this land of misery, when she could not be found in the bliss of paradise?

Today, God the Father has found this woman, He has found her to sanctify her; the Son has found her to dwell in her; the Holy Spirit has found her to enlighten her; and the angel has found her to greet her thus: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee!" Here she is, the strong woman, in whom reflection replaces curiosity; in whom humility excludes all vanity; in whom virginity stands free from all voluptuousness.

Saint Aelred of Rievaulx (1109-1167)

Sermon 39, for the feast of the Annunciation