Homily for Wednesday of the Twenty-first Week in Ordinary Time 

Memorial of Saint Monica 

Introduction

A little boy once asked his mother: “If God is everywhere, does that mean He even follows me when I hide under the bed?” The mother smiled and said: “Yes, my child. God’s love is so great that there is nowhere you can go to escape it.”

Today’s readings, together with the Memorial of Saint Monica, remind us of God’s presence that never abandons us and the power of perseverance in faith and prayer.

The Word of God

  • St. Paul (1 Thessalonians 2:9-13) recalls how he and his companions worked hard to bring the Gospel, not for personal gain but as fathers caring for their children. The Thessalonians received the Word not as human speech but as the living Word of God, active in them.

  • Psalm 139 beautifully reminds us that God’s presence surrounds us. Whether we rise with the dawn, settle at the farthest sea, or hide in darkness, His hand is always upon us.

  • The Gospel (Matthew 23:27-32) warns against hypocrisy. Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees who appear righteous outwardly but are corrupt inwardly. True holiness is not about appearances but about being transformed from within.

Connection with Saint Monica

  • Saint Monica’s life was the opposite of hypocrisy. She lived her faith authentically, with tears and prayer for her son Augustine. She trusted in God’s ever-present hand (Psalm 139), even when her son wandered far.

  • Like the Thessalonians who welcomed the Word, Monica welcomed God’s Word deeply into her heart and allowed it to bear fruit.

  • Her sincerity of faith, not appearances, eventually transformed her family — especially Augustine, who became a towering witness to God’s grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do I welcome God’s Word as living and active in my life, or do I treat it as mere human advice?

  2. Am I more concerned with how I look to others than with the truth of my heart before God?

  3. Like Monica, do I persevere in prayer for those who seem lost, trusting that God’s presence will always find them?

Implications for Daily Living

  • In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are called to carry hope into our families, like Monica, never giving up on loved ones.

  • In the Synod on Synodality, authenticity is key — we must walk together as a Church not with outward show, but with sincere love and prayerful perseverance.

Inspiration / Motivation

Saint Monica teaches us that God’s hand is never too far to save, His light never too dim to shine, and His Word never too weak to transform a heart.

Quote for the Day

“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” — St. Augustine (fruit of Monica’s prayers)

Final Thoughts

God is always present — in our joys, struggles, and tears. The challenge is not to hide behind appearances, but to live authentically, persevering in prayer and trust like Saint Monica.

Concluding Prayer

Lord God, You never abandon us, and Your hand guides us always. Through the prayers of Saint Monica, grant us hearts free from hypocrisy and full of sincerity. Strengthen us to persevere in prayer for our families and communities, trusting that Your Word will bear fruit in due time. Amen. 

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