Memorial of St. Monica
I once heard a story about an exam given to police recruits to test their response to unusual situations. The question was: “What would you do if you had to stop a speeder who turned out to be your mother?” One young man answered: “I’d call for back-up!”
It is true that mothers can and do play a strong and important role as a person reaches maturity. Sometimes they are very much at the forefront with their advice and encouragement, and sometimes they are an important but unseen force behind the scenes.
The wonderful story of St. Augustine and his mother, St. Monica, is a good example of how a mother can play an important part in her son’s conversion. Her prayer for her son, academically gifted but intellectually and spiritually adrift among the philosophical whirlpools of the time, lasted some twenty years. When reflecting on his spiritual journey, he credited his mother’s faithful prayer and support as a spiritual beacon leading him in his discovery of God.
Our thoughts on this feast of St. Monica go beyond her motherly concern for her son and highlight her steadfast faith in God’s mercy in the midst of the turmoil of her own times. Her fierce determination to remain faithful to her baptism in a pagan environment spoke loudly and clearly to all who knew her. We can wonder if the appreciation of motherly influence, namely, the teaching of gratitude coupled with generous service, is missing in the lives of so many who stand in leadership positions today. Perhaps on this feast day, we need to ask the help of those strong mothers like St. Monica, and above all, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to keep all wayward individuals on the path of peace and truth.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources