Daily Thoughts: I might be tempted to make this another
day of “Woe” given Jesus “Woe to…” statements that we once again hear in the
Gospel but I have decided to focus on something different this morning. I have
decided to focus on mothers!
Today is the feast of St. Monica, the
mother of St. Augustine and Monica is a saint because she was a mother, a
mother who cared, a mother who didn’t give up, a mother who didn’t forget. She
spent her life praying for her family, asking God to change their hearts so
that they might find the presence of God in their lives.
Mothers are unique people. From the very
beginning of life they give of themselves totally. They give of themselves
physically by creating our first home in this world, the womb. They give of
themselves physically by offering us our first nourishment, both inside the
womb and outside once we enter the world, so that we can begin to grow into the
person God has created us to be. Mother’s give of themselves emotionally
caring, nurturing protecting and guiding us as encounter the world around us.
And finally mothers give spiritually, holding us always in their prayers,
storming heaven, being present to God so that we make out way safely through
life.
St. Monica is a wonderful model of
motherhood. She never gave up on her family, especially her son. I am sure she
had some days of struggle. I am sure she question God at times. I am sure she
carry the extra burden that all mothers do, but she never gave up.
In our world we sometimes hear stories
of mothers who give up however from my perspective they are few far between
given the untold stories of mothers who never give up. On this feast of St.
Monica we have the opportunity to offer a prayer of thanks for our own mothers
and all mothers. We have to opportunity to offer a prayer for all mothers
especially new mothers, young mother, mothers in the midst of raising a family
that they will always have the strength to give when no one else seems to give
and that they will continue to never give up on us!
And in the spirit of today’s Gospel – “Woe
to us all if we don’t give thanks and offer a prayer for mothers today! Have a
great “Hump Day” everyone!
Daily Prayer:
Loving God, we pray today through the
intercession of St. Monica for all mothers,
grant them the grace to appreciate the
dignity, grace and blessing which you have given them as mothers. Help them to realize
that not even the Angels have been blessed with the privilege to share in your
creative miracle of bringing new life into the world. Bless all mothers today
and help them to be good, faithful, caring, nurturing and strong after the
example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the grace of Jesus’ love and the
intercession Mary and Monica we ask your continued blessings upon all families.
Let mothers and fathers be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the
eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen!
A Runner’s Thoughts: “I run because
long after my footprints fade away, maybe I will have inspired a few to reject
the easy path, hit the trails, put one foot in front of the other, and come to
the same conclusion I did: I run because it always takes me where I want to
go.” (Dean Karnazes)
And so to in the spiritual life…
Daily Blessings: Happy Hump Day
and Wednesday blessings to all! I hope your day has started off well and that
you have been gifted at least by nature with a beautiful day!
In the spirit of St. Monica whom we
honor today a shout out to all mothers that the gift of St. Monica’s spirit
will be with you throughout your journey as mothers. And a prayer of thanks to
all mothers, both living a deceased for their strength, courage, faithfulness
and love!
I pray for God’s blessings upon all of
you today that your day will be filled with many positives and that the
negatives will only be fleeting moments. May the richness of God’s grace and blessings
be upon all you, upon everyone you meet and upon everyone you love! May there
be many words, signs and people of encouragement in your life today! Peace in
Christ’s Passion and Joy in the Wisdom of God…Fr. Paul
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