For My Pregnant Friend

I rejoice with you today

Over this pleasurable burden you bear

One of the greatest miracles in human experience

No matter how often pregnancy occurs in the world

Each one is a fantastic miracle

Even when there is widespread abuse

Of human sexuality and human reproduction

Pregnancy remains one of the greatest wonders

Of nature.

Even when there is widespread abortion

Pregnancy nevertheless remains

A profound mystery of God. 

Your experience of another life

Germinating and maturing inside you

Must help you today

To appreciate more than ever before

The greatness of God the Creator

The special status of men and women

Who are co-creators

And the unique place of conjugal love

In the divine/human dynamics

Of life generation

I thank and praise God on your behalf

For the gift of love

Even when it is so often clouded by human selfishness

For the gift of fertility

Even when it is so little understood

And for the gift of good health

Even when it is so often taken for granted

He who has given you all these

Will bring His good work to a joyous conclusion

His yoke is easy

And His burden is light.

            ---Fr. George, 23/4/00