By Kathleen Bordo Crombie

“As you know, we dealt with each one of you like a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you should lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

The Feast Day of St. Monica is upon us! If there was ever a mother who prayed for the conversion of her son, it was her. What a prayer warrior! We should all have someone like that who prays for us without ceasing. St. Augustine of Hippo was blessed to have such a mother, but he didn’t realize this great gift until late in her life.

Today’s Mass reading calls to mind this persistent saint when St. Paul talks about a father (I believe we can think mother here, too) urging, encouraging, and pleading with his children that leads to a life worthy of God. That certainly was St. Monica.

Never Give Up!

Monica was the type of mother who just kept “bugging” Augustine. She even followed him from Carthage to Italy when he tried to secretly escape her. But her persistence paid off in addition to the Lord placing the right people in his path. Augustine eventually converted from his sinful life, became a priest, bishop, a great saint and Doctor of the Church.

Holy Nagging

As an iconographer, I can sympathize with St. Augustine. St. Monica bugged me to no end as I discerned writing an icon of her. I had no intention of doing so. I had no devotion to her.  Regardless, she made herself known to me in several “not-so-subtle” ways. It was more like “holy nagging” until I complied. When I finally surrendered, she let me rest at the completion of the piece. I didn’t understand the reason for this icon at the time but later came to know that it was for someone who was in need of her intercession, even though they didn’t know it. Under her powerful patronage, hearts and minds can be moved “to lead a life worthy of God.”

Prayer:

St. Monica was persistent in her prayer for her son’s conversion, and the Lord granted it. Help me to do the same for others who desperately need to find their way to God.  May their hearts be moved to receive the sacraments and live a life of holiness. We ask this in the name of Jesus through the intercession of St. Monica. Amen.

Call to Action:

Although we don’t need to follow someone around as a call to conversion, is there someone in your life  who needs you to be their St. Monica? Ask the Lord to identify that individual and pray for them every day. Be a faithful and focused prayer warrior! You may never know the outcome but leave that to God alone.

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