Today is the feast of Saint Monica, the mother of Saint Augustine. Saint Monica never gave up on her child. By the world’s standards and reason alone most people would have given up, but not this mother.
This is a word of encouragement to all mothers and fathers out there who are weary and discouraged by their offspring on their choices in life which impact their eternal salvation. Me included. Don’t stop keep praying.
First and foremost it was your sons or daughters choices and not yours. It wasn’t how you raised them. Even if you gave them bad example. The choices they make are theirs. You are different now. We have overcome our bad choices. Now they must overcome them by themselves with a little help from above.
Just like our parents who prayed for us, we have to pray for them. Not just today but tomorrow and the next day. Saint Monica is such a great example to all of us, because she never gave up. I have sometimes been discouraged by our children. Now some of the grandchildren have gotten the message and my wife and I are excited about their maturity of faith. Keep praying.
Morals, drugs, alcohol and relationships to varying degrees have waged a toll on everyone of their lives. Jesus says in today’s Gospel, “Do not Weep”. He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted and he said, ” Young man, I tell you arise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
Historically, this widow was destitute. In this day their was no Social Security or retirement. This widow’s only income was from the labor of her children. The women would only be subject to the kindness of others for food or beg.
Jesus knew the mother’s sorrow and had mercy on her. It would be a reflection of sorrow that His own mother would have felt after His Death and Resurrection.
So let us get back to Saint Monica. She had a husband and son who were pagans. She never gave up. Tomorrow we celebrate the feast day of Monica’s son, Saint Augustine. Yes even a Doctor of the Church had a mother who cared. Saint Monica never ceased praying.
One of my relatives who has been divorced for 38 years still prays for her abusive ex-husband. We don’t know God’s plan for us we just have to be faithful and keep praying.
Saint Monica is an inspiration to all those pray for the salvation and well being of loved ones.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
Picture credit:“Stuccoes (1693) by Lorenzo Vaccaro (Naples 1655-Torre del Greco 1706); painting ‘Saint Augustine and Saint Monica’ (1806) by Angelo Mozzillo – Sant’Agostino degli Scalzi Church in Naples” by Carlo Raso is marked with CC PDM 1.0
