+(Intro) Today we have the memorial of St Monica. As one reads the works of her son St Augustine, one realizes that we would never have had such a great saint / theologian, were it not for the love and prayer of his mother. As we begin this Eucharist let us be mindful of our sins and ask God’s loving mercy.
(After the Gospel) We have a living example in the life of St Monica of one cared for the weightier things of the law, of judgment and mercy and fidelity. Stressed at times as was her relationship with her son, Monica did all she could to pave the way for Augustine’s education and conversion to the living God. Her own wisdom and ability to see how crucial it was for her son to cleanse the inside of the cup if he was to be free of pride and serve the people of God, consumed her life, caused her to spend long hours in prayer with tears.
She knew firsthand how our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father have loved us and given us everlasting encouragement so as to strengthen us in every good deed and word. This she communicated to her son, who in turn, has spread the good news to countless souls over the ages. May we be ever grateful for this mother’s loving heart and holiness of life.
2 Thess 2:1-3a, 14-17; Matt 23:23-26