Father Luke Barder reflects on St. Monica's feast day (August 27) and her powerful example of hopeful persistence in prayer. As we continue through Jesus's challenging words to the Pharisees, St. Monica shows us how to see our loved ones—and ourselves—through God's eyes of mercy and hope rather than despair. This homily offers comfort to parents struggling with wayward children and anyone facing long seasons of unanswered prayer. Learn how Monica's 25 years of faithful intercession for Augustine models the heart of Jesus for the lost.
**Key Themes:** St. Monica feast day, parental prayer, hope in difficulties, examination of conscience, Jesus and the Pharisees, long-term prayer, Augustine's conversion, maternal intercession
**Scripture Context:** Luke 11:42-46 (Jesus's words to the Pharisees)
## Chapter Breakdown
### Chapter 1: "Examination of Conscience Week" (0:00 - 0:52)
- August 27, 21st week of ordinary time
- Context: narrow gate, Jesus's direct words to Pharisees
- Setting up the theme of self-reflection
- Introduction to examination of conscience
### Chapter 2: "St. Monica's Clear Vision" (0:52 - 1:36)
- Monica's heart aligned with Jesus
- Seeing Augustine through God's eyes
- The balance of sadness and hope
- Augustine's struggles and imperfections
### Chapter 3: "Wanting Better for Those We Love" (1:36 - 2:25)
- Monica's desire for Augustine's true fulfillment
- Seeing loved ones floundering in wrong places
- The pain of watching someone search in vain
- Mother's heart for her child's true happiness
### Chapter 4: "Jesus's Heart Like Monica's" (2:25 - 3:22)
- Jesus's mercy behind direct words
- His breaking heart for the Pharisees
- God's desire for better for His children
- The connection between divine and maternal love
### Chapter 5: "The Saint of Hope" (3:22 - 4:22)
- 25 years of faithful prayer
- Hope beyond what we can see
- Monica as model and intercessor
- Examining conscience with eyes of hope
- God's love receiving our weaknesses
## Tags
#StMonica #ParentalPrayer #CatholicMother #August27 #FaithAndFamily #PersistentPrayer #StAugustine #CatholicSaint #MotherSaint #HopeInStruggle #FaithfulIntercession #ExaminationOfConscience #CatholicHomily #ParentingFaith