MONTH 6<\/p>\n
BIOLOGICAL REFLECTION<\/span> – Month Six: Little Jesus would now weigh about 2 lbs. and measure nearly 10 inches long, from crown to rump.\u00a0 He could easily fit into the big hand of his earthly father Joseph! The sixth month in the womb is a time of active brain and lung growth. Brain wave activity is present for visual and auditory systems. The lungs begin secreting \u201csurfactant\u201d to cover the inner lining of the air sacs and facilitate lung expansion for breathing.\u00a0 His little nostrils are opening up, and he breathes amniotic fluid in and out of his mouth. His eyelashes are present, and his eyelids open and close in an instinctive \u201cstartle reflex.\u201d\u00a0 Although light seems to subtly penetrate the closed eyelids, much more light is required after birth to develop his eye color.\u00a0 The melody of his mother Mary\u2019s speech continues to soothe and guide him in his own audio development. Their unique physical, emotional, and spiritual relationship continues to grow and prepare them for life after his birth. THEOLOGICAL REFLECTION<\/span> \u2013 Month Six:\u00a0 Since beginning this \u201cWay of Joy\u201d with the Angelus Novena leading to The Annunciation last March, we have celebrated several liturgical solemnities and feasts as they parallel the biological milestones observed in the human development of Christ and his hidden life in the womb.\u00a0\u00a0 Indeed, the conception of Jesus, The Incarnation celebrated on March 25, commemorates the cornerstone of the Church, the very origin of the Christian faith.\u00a0 With contemporary technology, we see his first tiny heartbeat \u2013 The Cardiophany of Our Lord \u2013 on April 15, just 21 days after conception day.\u00a0 In the third month, June 24, we celebrate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist; and we know from Sacred Scripture that Mary was there, with 12-week old Jesus living in her womb.\u00a0 Now in the sixth month, September 8 celebrates the Nativity of Mary, probably her 15<\/span>th<\/span> or 16<\/span>th<\/span> birthday.\u00a0 Mary\u2019s growing tummy looks a bit like a soccer ball now, and she has a very intimate relationship with little Emmanuel, God among us, living within her.\u00a0 As the Church celebrates \u201cThe Holy Name of Mary\u201d on September 12, one must ponder the thoughts of Mary\u2019s parents, saints Anne and Joachim.\u00a0 This child of theirs whose name is Mary, conceived without sin in Anne\u2019s old age, now carries within her womb the only Son of God.\u00a0 The Word, <\/span>Caritas In Veritate<\/span> \u2013 Love and Truth – has become flesh and dwells among us!\u00a0 Awe and wonder must abound with the awesome presence of grace and angels!\u00a0 That grace, His Love personified, which filled Mary from the moment of her Immaculate Conception, is the essence of power and joy which enabled her to say \u201cLet it be\u201d at His beginning and\u00a0 \u201cDo whatever He says\u201d at His end.\u00a0 It is that same grace, which fills the wounds of her Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, where her motherly love is the endless font of Hope, Mercy, and Peace for every soul. Mary, Mother of the Life Within, pray for us! Heart of Mercy in the Virgin\u2019s Womb, we trust in you! May the Heart of God in the Virgin\u2019s Womb Be praised, adored, and loved With grateful affection, By every heart, Always and everywhere, For the glory of God the Father, In the power of the Holy Spirit, With Mother Mary.\u00a0 Amen! 2012 Ellen Marie Edmonds.\u00a0 For reprint permission, contact ellen@EmbracingDementia.com<\/a><\/p>\n
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