Thursday, August 27, 2015



Memorial of Saint Monica, holy woman

(Thessalonians 3:7-13; Matthew 24:42-51)

The Dominican laity of a church in California have named St. Monica as the patron of their chapter.  The members are largely parents of grown children some of whom stopped going to church.  They appeal to St. Monica because she prayed for years that her gifted son Augustine would embrace the faith.  They may see as well Monica acting as Jesus’ true disciple according to today’s gospel.

Jesus admonishes his disciples to be vigilant.  He wants them to both look for the critical needs of the poor and to beseech God for help in meeting those needs.  Those who do so become his “faithful and prudent servant(s)” whom he will reward upon his return.

Augustine was not economically poor, but his errant ways made him a kind of spiritual pauper.  Monica sought as the fulfilment of her life’s mission that he be enriched with Christ.  We likewise find in Christ a spiritual treasure that makes our lives worth living.