Last week Fr. Jim Lies and Fr. Willy dropped by my office. As I updated them about Father Peyton’s Cause for Sainthood, Fr. Lies asked me about my Mom and then said, "you know, our mothers are all candidates for sainthood." There was complete agreement.
I thought of the vital role of mothers in giving birth, nourishing us in mind, body, and soul, and was drawn to St. Monica’s example. Most of us are familiar with her relentless prayers, encouragement, and enlisting the help of priests in assisting her son, Augustine, see the light.
But, what St. Augustine chose to highlight was her ability to seek peace in their family—something that all families need. In his writings, Augustine tells us all we know about St. Monica. He wisely lists both her strengths and her flaws so that we understand her willingness to change and grow in Christ.
One example is that as a young adult, she overcame a serious drinking habit when an angry servant called her a drunk.
She also overcame challenges that weren’t her own making. Her home life was difficult. Her husband was volatile and unfaithful, and her mother-in-law, who lived with them, was overbearing.
And still, she patiently wove good relationships out of what could have gone terribly wrong. Her love and her faith ultimately led both her husband and mother-in-law to Christ and the church.
In today’s reading from St. Paul, he reminds the Thessalonians and us to do the will of God and live holy lives.
St. Augustine believed that his mother grew in holiness through her peacemaking.
Though she might hear bitter comments on both sides, Augustine wrote: "…my mother would never report what another said, unless it might bring the two sides together again."
He goes on to say: "We should use our tongues (like St. Monica) to put an end to ill-feeling(s)."
He concludes by saying, "This is what my mother was like, and you, Lord, were the master who, deep in the school of her heart, taught her this lesson."
St. Monica, patron Saint of alcoholics, difficult marriages, mothers, victims of unfaithfulness, and patron of widows, pray for us to be peacemakers, beginning in our homes.
May God bless you and your families as we seek to grow in holiness and bring the peace of Christ to all we meet.
