Saint Monica
Memorial
Liturgical Cycle: A, B, C | Lectionary Cycle: I, II
Introduction
A convinced Christian, Monica was married to a short-tempered, philandering husband. She succeeded in converting both him and her mother-in-law. Her son, Augustine, belonged to the Manichean sect, and his moral conduct caused her much anxiety and shame. Yet Monica could finally win him to the faith by her prayers and penance – and what a man and Christian Augustine became! His mother’s tears had brought him to life in Christ (hence the gospel). Thus, she was twice his mother. Her life was like many women’s – trials in marriage, worries about difficult children. But she knew that faith in Christ makes everything possible.
Opening Prayer
Almighty, eternal God,
to give a human life to their children
is the great task you entrust to mothers.
We thank you today for St. Monica,
who prayed to you for her Son Augustine
that he might find Jesus.
Grant to all parents
that they may help their children live and grow
in the life and the future
of Jesus Christ our Lord.
First Reading
The Good Woman
Happy is the husband of a good wife; his days will be doubled.
A woman of character is her husband’s joy; he will live in peace all his years of his life.
A good wife is the greatest gift, reserved for those who fear the Lord;
whether rich or poor, he will have a peaceful heart and a happy face.
The Good Woman
A wife’s grace brings joy to her husband, and her prudence refreshes his spirit.
A wife who knows how to be silent is a gift from the Lord; a well-trained wife is invaluable.
A modest wife is a blessing among blessings; a chaste wife is priceless.
Like the sunrise over the mountains of the Lord, so is the enchantment of a good wife in a well-kept home.
Responsorial Psalm
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
O LORD, my heart is not proud,
nor are my eyes haughty;
I busy not myself with great things,
nor with things too sublime for me.
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted
my soul like a weaned child.
Like a weaned child on its mother's lap,
so is my soul within me.
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
O Israel, hope in the LORD,
both now and forever.
R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
When she saw him, the Lord took pity on her and said:
“Stop crying.”
Then he approached, touched the stretcher, and the men carrying it stopped.
Jesus then said:
“Young man, I say to you, wake up!”
A holy awe came over everyone, and they praised God, saying:
This news spread throughout Judea and the surrounding regions.
Prayers of the Faithful
*Prayer over the Gifts
Lord God,
let this bread and wine be the signs
that with your Son Jesus Christ
we care about your kingdom among people.
Help us through your Son
to lead one another forward
on the way to you.
May he live in all of us,
For he is our Lord forever.
*Prayer after Communion
Lord our God,
we thank you for Jesus Christ
and for the many men and women
to whom he meant enough
to dedicate themselves to their neighbor
for his sake.
Let them inspire us today
to care for those around us.
Help us to believe firmly enough
in the mystery of your Son’s resurrection
to rise above our petty selves
and to help others overcome
their fears and their servitudes
through Jesus Christ our Lord.