***
Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
“The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins
who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Five of them were foolish and five were wise.
The foolish ones, when taking their lamps,
brought no oil with them,
but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps.
Since the bridegroom was long delayed,
they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
At midnight, there was a cry,
‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps.
The foolish ones said to the wise,
‘Give us some of your oil,
for our lamps are going out.’
But the wise ones replied,
‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you.
Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’
While they went off to buy it,
the bridegroom came
and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him.
Then the door was locked.
Afterwards the other virgins came and said,
‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’
But he said in reply,
‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’
Therefore, stay awake,
for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
***
***
I’m sure we all know someone who lives without faith.
Today we lift them up to the Lord, seeking the intercession of Saint Monica.
***
Monica is the patroness of mothers, married women, and alcoholics.
She never had an easy life. Among other things, her husband was unfaithful in their marriage. Sadly, his wayward life also rubbed off on their children.
But Monica never gave up.
***
We know the story of one of her children, in particular, Augustine of Hippo.
Like his father, Augustine was a restless youth who caused his mother to worry constantly. Although he was a towering intellect, he saw no need for faith.
For 17 years, Monica prayed for his conversion. And shortly before her death her prayer was answered.
Augustine not only became a Catholic; he was also ordained a priest and later a bishop.
Writing extensively about the Catholic faith, Augustine became one of the most influential thinkers the Church has ever known.
***
But on her deathbed, Monica asked only one thing of her son: “That you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.”
That’s something we can all do for our loved ones – remember them at the altar of the Lord.
Like Monica, may we never give up, trusting that one day the Lord draw them to himself.
***
***
Image credits: (1) Amazon (2) Saint Augustine and His Mother, Monica, by Ary Scheffer (3) Catholic Faith Store.