Joining with God in the Miracle of New Life
Submitted by Deacon Jim Krupka
Pope Francis reminds us that a woman joins with God in a miracle with each pregnancy. There is nothing like it. Life is a miracle! As scientists give us a picture of a universe billions of years old, human life can seem like a spec in that nearly infinite horizon of time. But how wonderful that spec is. The uniqueness of each person and the gifts each brings during a lifetime are awesome.
In our faith, we profess how much each life matters. But I sometimes wonder whether we take enough time to personalize that and appreciate the lives before us. The psalmist in Psalm 139 says, “You knit me in my mother’s womb.” Jerimiah conveys God’s love for each human being, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you.” Within each pregnant woman, that holy miracle is happening.
Pregnancy can be a busy and challenging time. Thinking back on my time as an expectant father, I remember the times as busy and full of the activity of getting ready. I remember so much that my wife did and endured during those months as life formed within her. What I do not remember is taking the time to appreciate the miracle. Those moments get away quickly. Pope Francis encourages us to slow down and enjoy the miracle. In one line, he says, “A pregnant woman can participate in God’s plan by dreaming of her child.” I was pleased to see him say, “For nine months, every mother and father dreams about their child.” He brings a message that I firmly believe. Dreaming has a place in life. The Pope goes so far as to say, “You can’t have a family without dreams.”
Today, I encourage expectant parents to make a special effort to take the time to appreciate what is happening. Remove yourself from the busyness and any apprehension or difficulty. Take time to enjoy the miracle and dream about where this beginning will take you. Do not let the pace of life rob you of the joy in those nine months. Each pregnancy and each child are unique. Join Mary in saying, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” Thank God for you expectant moms and dads. Amen!