seasons of motherhood | pray the rosary | Behold Your Mother
Today we will pray the Fourth Luminous Mystery: The Transfiguration.
“After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain apart from themselves.” (Mark 9:2)
When I think about the Transfiguration, I want to skip to the image of Christ, radiant in His glory. Yet, this first verse slams into my musings on God’s beauty. Before Peter, James, and John observe Jesus’s dazzling-white glory, they first follow Him up a mountain. Before they rest in terror and awe at the holiness of God, they leave their daily concerns behind. They are apart, chosen for this intentional journey that will culminate in an experience of God’s glory.
During pregnancy, Christ invites us on a journey. We may want to skip ahead to the glimpse of God’s beauty, present in a newborn child fresh from the womb. However, before we receive this gift, we first undergo the uphill climb of pregnancy.
Regardless of what our specific pregnancy looks like, the responsibility of nurturing an unborn child and preparing for the months ahead can weigh us down. We may stumble on this path and realize our deepest vulnerabilities and weaknesses emotionally, mentally, or physically. It’s easy to focus on these obstacles and grow discouraged. We may wonder how we will ever be able to endure the rest of pregnancy.
Yet, if we lift our eyes, we can gaze at Christ as He guides us on this path. While challenges may continue to pull us in every direction, Jesus will help us persevere. He may even grant us an occasional snapshot of his glory; a consolation that we can hold close to remind us of His faithfulness.
Lord, open our eyes and hearts to recognize Your presence on this journey of pregnancy. Help us notice the glimmers of Your glory and cling to You always. Amen.
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