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Gospel: Matthew 23: 23-26
Jesus said:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin,
and have neglected the weightier things of the law:
judgment and mercy and fidelity.
But these you should have done, without neglecting the others.
Blind guides, who strain out the gnat and swallow the camel!“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites.
You cleanse the outside of cup and dish,
but inside they are full of plunder and self-indulgence.
Blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup,
so that the outside also may be clean.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
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Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Monica, the patroness of mothers, married women, and alcoholics.
Hers was a difficult life, sustained by faith and grace. Monica’s husband was a serially unfaithful drunkard, whose wayward life rubbed off on their children.
We know the story of one of her children, in particular, Augustine of Hippo.
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Like his father, Augustine was a restless youth who caused his mother to worry constantly. Although he was immensely gifted, Augustine first used his gifts to better himself.
For 17 years, Monica prayed for his conversion. I’m sure she shed enough tears to fill the sea, storming heaven in prayer day after day, night after night.
But she never gave up. Love never does.
Shortly before her death, Monica’s prayer was answered, at least for her son.
Augustine not only became Catholic; he was later ordained a priest and a bishop. Finally putting his gifts at the service of the Church, Augustine became one of the most influential thinkers the Church has ever known — and a Saint, to boot!
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On her deathbed, Monica asked Augustine for one thing: “That you remember me at the altar of the Lord wherever you may be.”
That’s something each of us can do for our loved ones, especially those who struggle in any way – with faith, temptation, or a particular cross.
We remember them today at the altar of the Lord, trusting that, through Monica’s intercession, our prayers will also be answered.
Saint Monica, pray for us.
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Image credits: (1) Life Palatte (2) St. Monica, Come into the Word with Sarah Christmyer (3) EWTN.com