The Memorial of St Monica

The Memorial of St Monica

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

1 Thess. 4:1-8, Mt. 25:1-13. In today's first reading, Paul urges the faithful Thessalonians to seek a closer relationship with God by striving more diligently to live a pure and holy life. This exhortation particularly concerns the matter of chastity. Paul describes the importance of having a licit and valid marriage relationship and to avoid any sort of improprieties. Paul declares that if anyone is unwilling to work, he should not be fed. He also warns against sexual aberrations and rejects the excuse that for a spiritual person bodily actions are of no consequence. In today's Gospel, Jesus places the quest for holiness in a perspective, through the parable of ten virgins. Jesus compares the wise and foolish virgins to how people seek the Reign of God, some with foresight and vigilance, others with lack of readiness. Preparing for the "Reign of God" announces that we want a share in God’s holiness.

The lamp represents faith given as a gift by God. The oil is the love that has to be poured into it so that the flame of faith is kept burning brightly. The bridegroom who came late to his own wedding banquet found only half of the bridesmaids still there, with torches lit, to escort him indoors. Through the long hours of waiting, when nothing was happening and who knew when he would arrive, they kept at their post. After this parable, Jesus turned to His disciples and said to them: "Stay awake, because you do not know either the day or the hour." We need to be with our torches lit, especially during those times when He seems most absent and the time hangs heavy. St Monica whose memorial we celebrate had such difficult moment in her family life. Monica never ceased to pray for the sake of her husband and son and her fervent prayers, piety and charitable acts eventually touched first her husband, who accepted the Lord on his dying moment, while Augustine also discovered God in his journey of self-discovery. Today, we celebrate her, for her endurance and perseverance, as the patron saint for married women, difficult marriages, disappointing children, victims of adultery or unfaithfulness, victims of abuse and conversion of relatives.

May the Lord guide us as we seek the joy of being in the presence of God forever and being able to rest in the Lord Jesus! Amen!! Good morning, have a glorious day!!!

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