Memorial of St. Monica
St. Monica prayed seventeen long years
for her son to know Jesus.
Seventeen years of tears,
hope,
and stubborn love.
And God answered —
her son became St. Augustine,
a saint who still teaches the world
how mercy works.
I think today of the quiet witnesses
God scatters in our lives.
My son‑in‑law praying for his brother
to know Jesus.
My barber — no denomination, no debate —
just a steady
“Get to know Jesus.”
And those humble priests,
the Franciscan’s of Hope
who crossed half a world
not for money,
not for fame,
but simply so someone here
might finally hear His name.
Saint Paul reminds us
we have been called to be holy,
joined to all who call upon the Lord Jesus.
He says God’s grace
has enriched us in every way —
not to make life easy,
but to make our witness strong.
And Jesus adds His word:
“Stay awake.”
Because the Lord comes quietly,
unexpectedly,
through ordinary people
carrying His light
into ordinary days.
So stay awake…
to the prayers of a brother,
to the courage of a barber,
to the fidelity of a priest,
to the grace already resting on you.
Let your life
help someone
get to know Jesus.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Awaken my heart to Your gentle call.
Let every ordinary moment
shine with Your grace.
Strengthen my witness
through humble, holy love.
And guide my life to help
someone know You.
Amen
