Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations. — Psalm 96:3

Mass Readings: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5,11-12 / Matthew 23:13-22 

A Mother’s Prayers 

We know about Monica (331–387) through the writings of her son, Augustine. For many years, Augustine was away from the Church. He fathered at least one child out of wedlock, he abandoned Christianity for other religions, he became a skeptic. All the while, Monica wept and prayed for her son to return to his Catholic faith. After many years away, Augustine became a great saint. 

I know another mother who wept and cried for many years over the loss of faith of her child. Each week at Perpetual Adoration, she prayed and prayed, asking God to restore the child’s faith. After more than 25 years of alienation from the Church, that child did return, received the sacrament of confirmation, and now even attends Mass during the week. That woman is my mother. 

Prayer: St. Monica, pray for us that we may join our children at the heavenly homecoming.