Homily: Feast of St. Monica
Feast of St. Monica
Many women suffer through difficult relationships with the men they are dating or married to. Women of the church have also tried to encourage their children to maintain their sacramental life. If we wanted to name a patron saint for women in such situations it would probably be St. Monica.
Monica had a difficult marriage. Her husband lived a dissolute life. Patricius (Monica’s husband) was a drunkard. He had a violent temper. He was also unfaithful. Monica’s mother-in-law was also a difficult person and she lived in the same house with them. All of this was a great cross for Monica to bear. She had no options because women of that time had no status apart from their husband. She could not separate from Patricius. Her only option was to pray for him which she did with great fervor.
At the end of his life Patricius was won over by his devout wife. He was baptized on his death bed. Monica felt relieved. She could have been indifferent toward her husband given his behavior, but she was not, which speaks of her ability to forgive.
Monica had similar issues with her son, Augustine. Infant baptism was not the custom of the time. People usually waited for baptism until they were adults because the only absolution from sin came when one was baptized.
Augustine explored all kinds of religions and philosophies. He had a concubine. He rejected any kind of Christian life for a long time. Monica continued to invite him into the church, and she prayed for his conversion. Augustine could be rude to his mother and condescending, but she persisted.
Eventually with the help of St. Ambrose, Monica convinced her son to be Baptized. At the end of her life, Monica was able to see him begin his ministry in the church and that made her very happy.
Reflection Questions:
- Can I understand why Monica stayed with her husband? What might I have done?
- Should we ever give up on someone’s conversion? Do I know of anyone who accepted Christ later in life?
Dear Parishioners,
A few weeks ago, I asked that people begin wearing masks to church. I appreciate the fact that people have been so cooperative with this request. Masks are one of the few things that slows down the spread of the Corona Virus. I would ask once again that people wear a mask when they attend Mass.
Governor Pritzker is expected to announce that masks will be required indoors again. This announcement may come today. The Diocese of Peoria will probably follow up with an announcement of its own.
I will try to keep you all informed as to what is decided.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints watch over you today.
Fr. Mark