Redeemer in the Womb: Jesus Living in Mary

by John Saward

John Saward presents a rich work of theology, spirituality, and ethics to consider one period of Christ's life--the nine months he passed within the body of the Virgin Mary. This "work of reclamation," as Professor Saward terms it, brings together "what early Christian writers, Christian philosophy, liturgy, poetry, and iconography" have said about this now forgotten period--the nine months of Jesus' embryonic and fetal life in Mary. Central to the story is the Annunciation, "the chief feast of the Incarnation." Christ's birth is the manifestation to the world of what occurred at the Annunciation. Through Mary's Yes, the preexisting Son of God assumed a human flesh and a human soul. The Eastern writers, especially Maximus the Confessor, insist upon the inseparability of body and soul, the wholeness of Christ's human person from the very beginning. Christian spirituality does not limit communication to the verbal. At the Visitation, Mary, the new Ark of the Covenant, bears within her th

Genres: Theology, Catholic, Christianity

184 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1993

Reviews

[Michael B. Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book hard to read, but fascinating. The mystery of the incarnation of Christ is a question for all human beings, because it has changed the world, the perception of things, of time and of space. It is the infinite that encloses itself to be found in a finite time and space. I took note of many phrases and reflections. Definitely a book to read more than once.

[Jenna Galakatos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute fire. Father Saward whipped out literally all the receipts and he did not disappoint. Like how Saint Thomas Aquinas (a doctor of the Church) didn’t believe that God become man at conception, but gradually..? But turns out they didn’t know what ovulation was at the time, so the man just didn’t know, 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’m pumped for the Feast of the Annunciation and to pray with the unborn Christ in those 9 months. And, lowkey, God emptying Himself as man in the womb is the first incarnation so Christmas could be celebrated in July if we’re really talking.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little repetitive in the middle (though would have been less noticeable had I been reading more meditatively instead of quickly) but otherwise a lovely look at theology and poetry, etc. surrounding Jesus in Mary’s womb.

[James Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fr. Saward's book is a beautiful theological look at the nine months following the Annunciation and conception of Christ, while He was in His mother's womb. Saward takes the reader through Church history, from the early Church Fathers to the Middle Ages to the French school of the 19th Century and into the contemporary era—all while maintaining a readability that is sometimes lost in theology books.

The only reason I give 4 stars instead of 5 is that in the last pages of the book, Saward becomes aggressively and unexpectedly political. While I agree with the sentiments and the doctrinal stance, I found the drastic turn in the text from theology to ethics disrupting and nearly off-putting, primarily because it was so unexpected.

Overall I would highly recommend this book for the theological underpinnings it provides for the "first hidden life" of Christ but would advise giving a heads-up for what's coming at the end.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. If every woman read this book, then maybe the gravest offense would finally cease.

This was very good. Certain passages gave me trouble and I had to read them again in order to understand what was being said. Mostly, though, this was excellent. The author really researched the subject going back to writings from the early Church Fathers, various saints, and contemporaries. I found myself randomly contemplating Jesus in our Blessed Mother's womb as I went about my day. It's an awesome thought! The great I AM, the Creator, the Lord Almighty, becoming so small and human in every way, tinier than a mustard seed. This book gives ample opportunities for contemplation, for certain.

Perfect book to read during Advent and the Christmas season!

[Mary Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book on the divinity of Jesus in the womb of the blessed Virgin Mary, makes a case for the worth of all unborn children. If Jesus comes to us fully God, even in the form of a fetus, then we are all indeed made in the image of God. It follows, that neither the God-Man nor us His children, should ever be thrown away, whether through contraceptives or abortion.

[Pete Kieffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A UNIQUE READ

This book is a fascinating study of the many aspects of the Word incarnate in the womb of the Virgin Mary. I learned a lot from this book and plan on giving it second read.

[Peggy Haslar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the inexhaustible meditation on the implications of the Incarnation through the centuries. This book has the power to tenderize hearts to the vulnerability of all children in an age that largely turns its back on them.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful study of the Incarnation. I plan to re-read this annually during Advent!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful read. There were many new ideas here for me that I had to stop and contemplate. I have already bought several copies of this book at gifts for some mothers I know.