Biographical Information about St. Monica[1]
Readings from the Memorial of Saint Monica[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10
This is the introduction of St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. It is also the first mention by St. Paul of the three “theological virtues” Faith, Love, and Hope. Used in conjunction with the Feast of St. Monica it clearly states the great spiritual example of her story.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
Psalm 149 is a song of praise. In these strophes we rejoice because God brings victory to the lowly and hope to the oppressed.
Gospel Mt 23:13-22
This section of Matthew’s Gospel contains the first of the “seven woes” the Lord issues against the scribes and Pharisees. He first accuses them of “locking the kingdom of heaven” (recall later Jesus gives St. Peter the keys to that lock.) The Lord goes on to ridicule these “false guides” because what they do does not match what they teach. Though Jesus forbids his disciples to make oaths of any sort, he tells the Jewish leaders that because they only value oaths associated with the value it brings to the temple, their reward will be in “Gehenna”.
Reflection:
We reflect today on the life of St. Monica as she lived the great theological virtues expressed in St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. The way they are expressed, “…your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ” points the actions of our noble saint squarely at the great reward of the faithful in the resurrection.
Saint Augustine of Hippo, whose mother she was (and whose feast day we celebrate tomorrow), writes extensively of her in his confessions. He tells of her fidelity to the faith in works, of her unceasing love for him (and his father, a pagan baptized on his death bed). He speaks of her unwavering hope for her family and herself that they might achieve that which our Lord and Savior promised.
We recognize in this singular example the struggle of all of the noble Christian men and women who hope and pray in seemingly impossible situations. St. Monica’s example is proof for them that God is with them in their struggle and provides her own strength to them to continue their faithful witness in the face of insurmountable obstacles.
To a lesser extent, those of us who aspire to the place where the saints point also look to our lives and model our interior selves on these three great pillars of faith. In all we do we give glory to God so that our works shine as a gift to Him. With all we meet, our love for our brothers and sisters creates a spreading net to capture the hearts of others for our Lord. In all of our prayers we express the hope in the life to come, that we might be found worthy to take our place among all the saints in the endless ecstasy of worship in heaven.
Pax
[1] The picture today is of St. Monica and St. Augustine by Ary Scheffer, date UNKNOWN
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
Readings from the Memorial of Saint Monica[2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10
This is the introduction of St. Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. It is also the first mention by St. Paul of the three “theological virtues” Faith, Love, and Hope. Used in conjunction with the Feast of St. Monica it clearly states the great spiritual example of her story.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
Psalm 149 is a song of praise. In these strophes we rejoice because God brings victory to the lowly and hope to the oppressed.
Gospel Mt 23:13-22
This section of Matthew’s Gospel contains the first of the “seven woes” the Lord issues against the scribes and Pharisees. He first accuses them of “locking the kingdom of heaven” (recall later Jesus gives St. Peter the keys to that lock.) The Lord goes on to ridicule these “false guides” because what they do does not match what they teach. Though Jesus forbids his disciples to make oaths of any sort, he tells the Jewish leaders that because they only value oaths associated with the value it brings to the temple, their reward will be in “Gehenna”.
Reflection:
We reflect today on the life of St. Monica as she lived the great theological virtues expressed in St. Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians. The way they are expressed, “…your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope of our Lord Jesus Christ” points the actions of our noble saint squarely at the great reward of the faithful in the resurrection.
Saint Augustine of Hippo, whose mother she was (and whose feast day we celebrate tomorrow), writes extensively of her in his confessions. He tells of her fidelity to the faith in works, of her unceasing love for him (and his father, a pagan baptized on his death bed). He speaks of her unwavering hope for her family and herself that they might achieve that which our Lord and Savior promised.
We recognize in this singular example the struggle of all of the noble Christian men and women who hope and pray in seemingly impossible situations. St. Monica’s example is proof for them that God is with them in their struggle and provides her own strength to them to continue their faithful witness in the face of insurmountable obstacles.
To a lesser extent, those of us who aspire to the place where the saints point also look to our lives and model our interior selves on these three great pillars of faith. In all we do we give glory to God so that our works shine as a gift to Him. With all we meet, our love for our brothers and sisters creates a spreading net to capture the hearts of others for our Lord. In all of our prayers we express the hope in the life to come, that we might be found worthy to take our place among all the saints in the endless ecstasy of worship in heaven.
Pax
[1] The picture today is of St. Monica and St. Augustine by Ary Scheffer, date UNKNOWN
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
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