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.
