August 27, St. Monica

The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice. — Psalm 98:9

Mass Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 / Matthew 25:14-30 

Storming Heaven 

You’re probably familiar with the image of St. Monica (332-387) who prayed fervently for her son Augustine to return to the faith of his baptism. She’s the model of the concerned mother whose incessant prayers were heard, just as Jesus promised that the Father will answer the prayers of those who persist. 

Sometimes we may feel our prayers aren’t heard, especially for an adult child who has stopped practicing the faith. As young Augustine went his own way and set up house with a woman who bore him a son, his mother must have felt the same way. But a saint was never made by giving up. Monica won back her son’s soul, and the Church gained one of its greatest theologians in St. Augustine. Persistent prayer can change the course of history. 

Prayer: Lord, may I pray and leave the rest to You, in faith and hope.

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