When our love and faith is deep, there resides a deep sadness when those close to us don’t share the same intensity of faith. This pain can be from ones who never knew the gift of faith or from others who have left behind that gift or worse from those who are bitterly against our beloved Catholic faith. All types cause our human heart sadness, but it also causes anguish for God and for our Blessed Mother. God and Mary want most of all the conversion of sinners so that their children are holy and living without sin. This need to remain faithful to God is revealed to us in Holy Scripture, in apparitions throughout the world, and in the conscience that God placed within us as a guiding light to keep us close to God.
Tomorrow, August 27th, we celebrate the feast of one amazing mother who not only converted her abusive pagan husband and her mother-in-law but also her prodigal son. Her determination was so strong that she and her son are both declared Saints – St. Monica and St. Augustine!
St. Monica was an amazing mother best known for her persistence in prayer. She suffered deeply with anguish and tears for her son’s sins, but she knew that she was not fighting alone for his soul. St. Monica prayed so earnestly that her son, St Augustine, gave up a life of sin and embraced the faith.
St. Monica did not just go along with her son’s sins. No, she spoke out and admonished him. She included the guidance and direct communication of clergy to help initiate his conversion. She did everything in her abilities to speak the truth in love. It was ultimately her love, prayer and presence that eventually won his heart to Christ. This conversion did not come overnight but took over 15 years to be accomplished.
St. Augustine became so devout in his faith and preaching that he is named a Doctor of the Church. His feast day is August 28, a day after his mother’s feast day. What an amazing mother and son dynamic duo to look to for inspiration and intercession for those close to us that are not deep in their faith.
Consider these three key points inspired by St. Monica as we seek conversion of those close to us:
- Be persistent – keeping speaking the truth in love
- Be patient – remember it is God’s time not our own
- Be present – the best inspiration we can offer is our own faithful presence
No matter where our children or our spouse are in their faith walk, we must daily pray and intercede for them. Pray to St. Monica that with her intercession our prayers will be lifted to God with love and commitment! Pray to St. Augustine that we, like him, will turn from sin and choose the narrow path of holiness.
St Monica and St. Augustine, pray for us!
