27 Aug
Mon
21st Week in Ordinary Time
St Monica
2 Thess. 1:1-5,11-12
Ps. 96(95):1-5
Mt. 23:13-22
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Have you ever longed for something good but it did not seem to enter into your life?

Today Paul encourages the early Christians at Thessalonica to keep longing for what is good. He praises their steadfast faith in God, especially in the midst of hardship and affliction. He exhorts them to maintain their resolve. This is extremely difficult, yet by preserving in faith, the name of Jesus Christ is glorified through their lives.

Monica was a woman with deep longings. She yearned for her son Augustine to give up his immoral lifestyle and become Christian. More than this, she lived with a husband who had a harsh temper and strongly disliked the Christian faith. Ultimately, her prayers to God did not go unheard. Augustine became a Christian, a bishop and a saint. What is less well known is that after thirty years of prayer, Monica's husband also became a Christian and Monica's daughter, Perpetua, became a nun.

Jesus reminds the Pharisees today to keep what is most important in life as the priority that guides our heart and actions. He invites us to stay focused on what is most precious. This will guide us to enter the kingdom of heaven.

Of all that I desire, what do I desire most deeply in life?



Lord, may You hear my voice. May my faith in You persevere.


DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That any far-reaching decisions of economists and politicans may protect the family as one of the treasures of humanity.
Elaboration

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