Aug 27 – Memorial for St. Monica, married woman
St. Monica was distressed to learn that her son had accepted a heresy and was living an immoral life. For a while, she refused to let him eat or sleep in her house. Then one night she had a vision that assured her Augustine would return to the faith. From that time on she stayed close to her son, praying and fasting for him. In fact, she often stayed much closer than Augustine wanted.
When he was 29, Augustine decided to go to Rome to teach rhetoric. Monica was determined to go along. One night he told his mother that he was going to the dock to say goodbye to a friend. Instead, he set sail for Rome. Monica was heartbroken when she learned of Augustine’s trick, but she still followed him. She arrived in Rome only to find that he had left for Milan. Although travel was difficult, Monica pursued him to Milan, where she became a leader of the devout women there.
- Patron Saint Index
1 Cor 1:1-9
Mt 24:42-51
I never stop thanking God for all the graces you have received through Jesus Christ. I thank him that you have been enriched in so many ways.
The verse above from today’s first reading, 1 Corinthians 1:4, it is rather a very good reminder of thanking God for all the graces that we have received. How often do you find yourself praying when things are going well? Do you pray more during times of need? Do you remember to thank God every day?
I am as guilty as anyone, lacking in recognising and thanking God for all the graces that I have received. Firstly, thanking Jesus for all that He has done for us on Calvary, for paying the price for our eternal salvation. But do you remember to thank Jesus every day, every Sunday, every time you receive Him in the most Holy Eucharist? Are you focusing on Jesus at Mass? Or thinking about what to have for lunch after?
What about all the other graces that we have received such as answered prayers, protection against evil, prevention from situations, things, relations, from going bad or worse; do we attribute it as coincidences or simple good luck? Do we remember God and thank Him for our existence, our Catholic faith, our family, friends, work, home and more? This is a true test of relying on God — do we thank Him for being with us when we face trials and challenges? Do we give up praying and look for alternatives?
Today is also the memorial of Saint Monica. The mother of another well-known saint, Saint Augustine, a doctor of the Church. What is remarkable about Saint Monica is her faith, her perseverance, her persistence in prayers. She prayed for her son for more than 15 years for his conversion. Through her trials and challenges, sorrow and anxieties, she did not give up praying and just kept right on. Her perseverance and deep trust in God resulted not only her son’s conversion, but also her husband’s and mother-in-law’s. You can bet that at their conversion, Saint Monica did not forget to thank God for all that He had done for her and her family. Let us be like Saint Monica, deep love and faith, constant prayers to God for our loved ones, and for ourselves to become saints.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Winnie Kung)
Prayer: My most gracious Lord, please receive our prayers for our loved ones, for the conversion of their souls, particularly those who have wandered away from You. Please bring them close to Your heart and help them to know You on a personal level.
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, we thank you for Your infinite love and mercy. Thank you for all the graces that You have imparted on us through Jesus Christ, from eternal salvation to graces that we take for granted. May we remember to say ‘Thank You’ to You every day.
OXYGEN 
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