9 Months with Christ in the Womb
Beginning this week, March 25th, the Feast of the Annunciation, (learn more about when we celebrate this year) we will begin sharing and meditating on the mystery of the Incarnation in a unique way. 9 Months with Christ in the Womb draws our attention to Jesus, the God-fetus, during the 9 months He lived within Mary. In meditating on the mystery of Christ’s humility in the womb we foster within all Christians a new appreciation for the dignity of our brothers and sisters. We will be sharing the development of Christ in Mary’s womb weekly and reflections will be shared on a monthly basis.
March: Mary’s First Moments with Jesus
Week 1 • March 24
This is the week that Jesus came into existence as a human being. Through a biological mystery that no earthly person will ever fully understand, the power of the Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary and caused her to conceive. How fortunate we all are that she said yes. Jesus in the womb, Hear our prayers!
Week 2 • March 31
Though Mary does not yet feel our savior inside her, he is growing rapidly! One single divine cell becomes two, then four, and eight. Jesus, looking like a tiny ball, implants himself in Mary’s uterus this week. Through this bond, she will provide for all his needs. Jesus of the womb, Hear our prayers!
April: Elizabeth’s Burden
Week 3 • April 7
Jesus is now two circular rows of cells which contain all the nutrients he will need until the placenta forms. Jesus of the womb, Hear our prayers!
Week 4 • April 14
The placenta which connects Jesus to his mother is now fully formed, but what is far more exciting is that his Sacred Heart, so full of love for humanity, is beginning to develop. Jesus of the womb, Hear our prayers!
Week 5 • April 21
Things are picking up! Jesus is rapidly developing a nervous system. Beginnings of a digestive system and respiratory system are in place, and he even has small buds where his arms and legs will grow. Jesus of the womb, Hear our prayers!
Week 6 • April 28
Jesus’ mouth, nostrils, ears, and eyes are becoming more defined this week, and his lungs are growing at a notable pace. Jesus of the womb, Hear our prayers!
May: The Story of Zechariah
Week 7 • May 5
Those precious little fingers and toes are forming this week! Pigment has begun to develop in the eyes that will look on so many with profound love. Jesus of the womb, Hear our prayers!
Week 8 • May 12
The tip of our Lord’s little nose has formed this week, as well as his bottom. He is still very fragile at a length of just under an inch and weighing only one tenth of an ounce. Jesus of the womb, Hear our prayers!
Week 9 • May 19
By the end of this week, all of Jesus’ vital organs have formed and begun working together. He even has the beginning of teeth forming in his mouth. Jesus of the womb, Hear our prayers!
Week 10 • May 26
Jesus is now about two inches long. His head is humongous compared to the rest of his body, but his masculine biological characteristics are also clearly present. Jesus of the womb, Hear our prayers!
Week 11 • June 2
Jesus now has fingernails, toenails, and functioning kidneys. He even drinks in the amniotic fluid that surrounds him. Jesus of the womb, Hear our prayers!
