Mothers and Children
Aug 27: Memorial of Saint Monica
Saint Monica is an interesting saint, because she wasn’t beatified for anything externally grand she did herself, but because her prayers and concern are what made her son, Augustine, before he was a saint. Saintliness isn’t always external.
I also think this memorial is the Church’s way of telling us how important parents are. Whatever your job is, whatever else you accomplish in life, raising your kids will always be more important. And by always, I mean, like eternally.
We should all pray for our kids (if you have them), as well as our parents, as fervently as Monica and Augustine did.
Reading 1
Sir 26:1-4, 13-16
Blessed the husband of a good wife, twice-lengthened are his days; A worthy wife brings joy to her husband, peaceful and full is his life. A good wife is a generous gift bestowed upon him who fears the LORD; Be he rich or poor, his heart is content, and a smile is ever on his face.
A gracious wife delights her husband, her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones; A gift from the LORD is her governed speech, and her firm virtue is of surpassing worth. Choicest of blessings is a modest wife, priceless her chaste soul. A holy and decent woman adds grace upon grace; indeed, no price is worthy of her temperate soul. Like the sun rising in the LORD's heavens, the beauty of a virtuous wife is the radiance of her home.
When St. Josemaría met a newlywed couple, he would say to the husband, “Your wife is your pathway to Heaven.” Then he would turn to the wife and say the same thing about her husband. Ideally, a husband and wife are a team, helping each other and their children grow.
St. Monica wasn’t so blessed—her husband as unfaithful and abusive. As a pagan, he wouldn’t even allow their son Augustine to be baptized. But she persevered, and cared for her family nonetheless. Patricius respected Monica’s good deeds while being annoyed by her prayer and charity, never realizing how blessed he was.
We should not only care for our spouses, but appreciate the blessing God gave us, too.
Responsorial Psalm
Ps 131:1bcde, 2, 3
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
O LORD, my heart is not proud,
nor are my eyes haughty;
I busy not myself with great things,
nor with things too sublime for me.
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted
my soul like a weaned child.
Like a weaned child on its mother's lap,
so is my soul within me.
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
O Israel, hope in the LORD,
both now and forever.
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
This Psalm is kind of the opposite of Augustine’s relationship to Monica. After his father’s death, Augustine became a Manichean heretic, and Monica kicked him out. Later, she had a vision that convinced her to reconcile with her son.
Tough love might be called for occasionally, but reconciliation is just as necessary.
Alleluia
Jn 8:12
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus’ relationship with Mary (and Joseph) should be a model for all children and parents.
Gospel
Lk 7:11-17
Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, "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. Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, "A great prophet has arisen in our midst," and "God has visited his people." This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.
Augustine wasn’t physically dead, but he was spiritually. Monica prayed for him ceaselessly, and like the widow in today’s story, Jesus heard her prayer. A mother’s prayers are important, probably because they remind Jesus of His own Holy Mother.
Jesus’ miracles are rarely for the benefit of one person. The raising of the widow’s son spread the good news throughout Judea. The conversion of Augustine, through Monica’s intercession, led to one of the great works of faith in Christianity, which in turn helped countless people over the centuries.
We can never know what good our prayers and actions will do. It may not have any effect until the next generation, or one after that, or (like we learned with Ruth this week) centuries later. But that’s why we pray in hope and faith. God will see that the good is done in the end.