MEMORIAL OF ST. MONICA AND ST. AUGUSTINE &THE PASSION OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

MEMORIAL OF ST. MONICA (27-AUGUST)

READINGS OF WEDNESDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

• First reading: 1 Thessalonians 2: 9-13
• Psalm: 139: 7-12 (O Lord, you search me and you know me)
• Gospel: Matthew 23: 27-32

A Brief Homily

Today we remember St. Monica, a woman of great faith and prayer. In the first reading, Paul reminds us to live holy lives and hold on to God’s word, which works in our hearts. The Gospel warns against being holy only on the outside but empty inside. St. Monica teaches us that real holiness is found in prayer, patience, and trust in God. For many years, she prayed for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine, and God answered. Let us learn to trust God, pray without ceasing, and allow His word to shape our lives daily.

 Inspiration Message

1. Live true holiness – Do not only appear good on the outside; let your heart and actions be guided by God’s word.
2. Trust in prayer – Like St. Monica, never give up praying, even if answers seem delayed.
3. Let God’s word guide you – The Word of God has power to change hearts and lives.
4. Be patient in faith – God’s timing is perfect; remain steadfast.
5. Pray for others – Our prayers can bring healing and conversion to those we love.

Morning Prayer

Loving Father, I thank You for the gift of this new day. Help me to live with a pure heart, not just outward appearances. Like St. Monica, give me patience and strength to pray without giving up, especially for those I love. May Your Word guide my thoughts, words, and actions. Teach me to trust Your timing and to spread love and faith in all I do today. Amen. May the Almighty God Bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Short Biography of St. Monica (For more detailed contact me)

St. Monica was born around 331 AD in Tagaste, North Africa, into a Christian family. As a young woman, she married Patricius, a pagan Roman official with a difficult character. Though he often mistreated her, Monica remained patient, prayerful, and faithful. Her prayers bore fruit when Patricius converted to Christianity before his death.

Monica had three children, the most famous being Augustine. In his youth, Augustine lived a worldly life, followed false teachings, and resisted the faith of his mother. For 17 years, Monica prayed with tears, fasting, and unwavering faith for his conversion. She never gave up hope, believing God would answer her prayers.

Her persistence was rewarded when Augustine encountered St. Ambrose in Milan. Deeply moved, he converted to Christianity and was baptized at the Easter Vigil in 387 AD, together with his son Adeodatus. This was the greatest joy of Monica’s life.

Soon after, while preparing to return to Africa, Monica fell ill and died peacefully on August 27, 387 AD, in Ostia, Italy. She is remembered as a model of Christian motherhood, patience, and prayer. Her feast is celebrated every year on August 27, and she is the patron of all mothers who pray for their families.

MEMORIAL OF ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (28-AUGUST)

READINGS OF THURSDAY OF THE TWENTY-FIRST WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

• First reading: 1 Thessalonians 3: 7-13
• Psalm: 90:3-4, 12-14, 17 (Fill us with your love that we may rejoice,)
• Gospel: Mathew 24:42-51

A Brief Homily

Today we remember St. Augustine, a great sinner who became a great saint because he allowed God’s grace to change him. In the first reading, St. Paul reminds us that God’s word works in those who believe. Augustine is a living example—he searched for happiness everywhere but found it only in God. The Gospel warns us not to look holy outside but be empty inside. Augustine teaches us to be honest with God, seek His mercy, and allow His love to renew our hearts daily.

 Inspiration Message

1. God’s Word changes lives – Like Augustine, when we accept God’s Word with faith, it transforms our hearts and directs us to truth.
2. True happiness is in God – Augustine searched everywhere but discovered only God can satisfy our hearts.
3. Be real, not fake – The Gospel warns us against being holy only on the outside. God wants sincerity inside and out.
4. Never give up on God’s mercy – Augustine’s conversion reminds us it’s never too late to change.
5. Let God’s love guide your life – Daily surrender brings peace, wisdom, and strength.

 Morning Prayer

Lord, you know me and search my heart. Like St. Augustine, I seek true joy in You alone. Keep me from pretending holiness, and instead fill me with sincere love and faith. When I fall, remind me of Your endless mercy and give me courage to rise again. Guide my thoughts, words, and actions today, that I may live honestly, love deeply, and walk faithfully in Your light. Amen. May the Almighty God Bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Short Biography of St. Augustine of Hippo (For more detailed contact me)

St. Augustine of Hippo was born on November 13, 354 AD in Tagaste, North Africa. His mother, St. Monica, was a devout Christian, while his father, Patricius, was a pagan. As a young man, Augustine was intelligent and talented, but he lived a worldly life of pleasures and followed the false teachings of Manichaeism.

While studying and later teaching rhetoric in Carthage, Rome, and Milan, Augustine felt empty inside. In Milan, through the preaching of St. Ambrose, he discovered the truth of the Catholic faith. In 386 AD, he experienced his famous conversion after reading Romans 13:13–14, where St. Paul calls us to “clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” Deeply moved, Augustine gave his life to God and was baptized by St. Ambrose at Easter 387, together with his son Adeodatus.

Back in Africa, Augustine was ordained priest in 391 AD and later became Bishop of Hippo in 395, serving faithfully until his death. He wrote many great works, including Confessions and The City of God, defending the faith and guiding Christians. He died on August 28, 430 AD, during the Vandal siege of Hippo. His feast is celebrated on August 28.

29^TH AUGUST

THE PASSION OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST (Memorial)

• First reading: Jeremiah 1: 17-19
• Psalm: 71:1-6, 15, 17 (My mouth will tell of your salvation, Lord.)
• Gospel: Mark 6:17-29

 A Brief Homily

Today we remember the courage of St. John the Baptist, who gave his life for the truth. Jeremiah reminds us not to fear when we stand for God, because the Lord is with us. John spoke boldly against sin, even when it cost him his life. The Gospel shows us that faithfulness to God may bring suffering, but it also brings eternal reward. As Christians, we are called to be fearless witnesses of truth, love, and justice in our families, workplaces, and society.

Inspiration Message

1. Stand for the truth – Like John, never be afraid to speak what is right, even when it is difficult.
2. Trust in God’s strength – God promised Jeremiah that He would be with him. God is with us too.
3. Be faithful, not fearful – True discipleship may bring challenges, but God never abandons His children.
4. Live with integrity – Our words and actions should always reflect Christ.
5. Look to eternal reward – Earthly suffering is temporary; heaven is our lasting home

Morning Prayer

Lord God, thank You for the gift of this new day. Like St. John the Baptist, give me courage to speak the truth with love, even when it is difficult. Strengthen my faith so I may trust in Your protection. Keep my heart pure, my words honest, and my actions faithful to Christ. Help me live with integrity and always look to heaven as my true home. Amen. May the Almighty God Bless you, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Short Biography of St. John the Baptist (For more detailed contact me)

St. John the Baptist was born around 5–6 BC to Zechariah and Elizabeth, after the Angel Gabriel announced his birth (Luke 1:13–17). He was filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb and leapt with joy when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited Elizabeth (Luke 1:39–44). His birth is celebrated on June 24, six months before Christmas.

John lived in the wilderness, clothed in camel’s hair and eating locusts and honey (Mark 1:6). He preached repentance and baptized people in the Jordan River, preparing the way for the Messiah (Matthew 3:1–12). When Jesus came to him, John baptized Him, and the Spirit descended upon Christ (Matthew 3:13–17). With humility, John declared: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

John boldly spoke the truth, even rebuking King Herod for his unlawful marriage. Because of this, he was imprisoned and later beheaded around 30–32 AD at the request of Herodias’ daughter (Mark 6:17–29). His disciples buried him and told Jesus of his death (Matthew 14:12).

The Church honors John as the forerunner of Christ, a prophet of courage, humility, and truth. His Nativity is June 24, and his Passion is August 29

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