seasons of motherhood | pray the rosary | Behold Your Mother
Today we will pray the Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption of Mary into Heaven.
So much of pregnancy is spent protecting and nourishing our baby’s body. This continues after birth, of course, but during pregnancy, mothers are especially careful of what they eat, drink, inhale, and do in order to protect the growing baby. From cleaning products to alcohol and medicine, our foremost concerns are their effects on the baby in our womb.
The Assumption of Mary is a reminder of the everlasting value of our bodies from the moment of conception on. We are not embodied souls, mortal shells encasing our spiritual essence; we are body and soul. God willing, someday our bodies and our babies’ bodies will be glorified in Heaven.
That’s why what we do with and to our bodies is important. We care for our bodies with proper nutrition and exercise, but more importantly by our actions. Mary, ever sinless, is a model for the care and dignity of our bodies, which enable us to serve one another and to love and be loved. Her womanly body, given in a particular way for our Savior, is a reminder of all that we are called to in this life and the next.
We pray that through Mary’s intercession, we may attain heaven at last, and, like her, live in the presence of God, body and soul.
The writers of Catholic Mom enthusiastically gathered to share meditations on each Mystery of the Rosary in a special way for pregnant mothers. We invite you to join us throughout the month of May as we pray together each day, and to share these reflections with other moms who will enjoy them.
Images: created by Ted Schluenderfritz for Holy Cross Family Ministries