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THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, AUGUST 27, 2026

MEMORIAL OF SAINT MONICA 

REFLECTION:  SIRACH 26: 1-4; 14-16

THEME: THE EXEMPLARY LIFE OF ST MONICA

St Monica was the mother of St Augustine. She was born to a Christian family but given in marriage to a pagan Roman official in North Africa. Patricius, her husband, had a short temper, and was very unfaithful to his marriage vows. Through patience and constant prayer, Monica converted her mother in-law and her husband,  Patricius, to Christianity. 

Monica had three children. Among them, Augustine gave her the toughest time. Augustine rejected Christianity, lived a wayward life, and preferred  to embrace the heresies at the time. 

Monica prayed, fasted, and wept for 17 years because of Augustine. She decided to follow Augustine everywhere he went. In the course of seeking for help, she met Bishop Ambose, who said to her, " God will not look away from this your tears". That prophecy came to fulfillment shortly afterwards. Monica witnessed the conversion and baptism of St Augustine by Bishop Ambrose. Monica died at 56 years, very happy that her mission on earth had been fulfilled.

The church celebrates St Monica as the patron saint of wives, mothers, and abuse victims. 

The first reading today from the book of Sirach, praises such women of impeccable character. She is a virtuous, supportive wife who brings peace and joy to her family. She doubles the joy and peaceful days of her family. Whether rich or poor, she anchors the family with patience. She is the light and radiance of her family. 

St Monica teaches couples to remain faithful to each other in spite of all odds. She teaches couples never to give up on each other and never to give up on their children even in the midst of frustration. She teaches that couples must be willing to make sacrifices for every marriage to work. Monica was very happy at her death at 56 years. Though short lived, she felt happy having completed the work God assigned her to do on earth. God has assigned to everyone of us some duties in our families. What do you think is the mission God has assigned to you in your family? Listen to God today and find out the purpose for which he made you part of your family. 

 The length of time we live on earth does not matter to God. What really matters is the kind of life we have lived and how well we have fulfilled the purpose for which he created us, and the legacy we leave behind. 

Jesus loves You!