The thunder heads off in the distance as we had a rainy start to our day.... I did eventually drive into rain close to the Cities, but I was grateful that it let up on the super highways. Thank you, Lord!
Mom was not able to join in, and I find that sad and hard. Today is the Feast of the wonderful mother of St Augustine, St Monica. Our Lady, ,Mary mother of Jesus/God and Queen of heaven and earth is #1 Mother, but St Monica is #2 in her quiet and faithful praying her wayward son into The Church! St Augustine, whose feast is tomorrow, is known as the doctor of Grace and is highly regarded as such an amazing man of Truth and Wisdom!
"Nothing is far from God." - St Monica
As recounted by Augustine... before his mother died she told him:
"There was indeed one thing for which I wished to tarry a little
in this life, and that was that I might see you a Catholic before I died.
My God hath answered this more than abundantly, so that I see you
are now made His servant and spurning all earthly happiness.
What more am I to do here?"
https://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/johns-cancer-stories.html
We should get that back in use praying for mom along with the Lourdes water that is here. Mom is having more of a hard time than dad at this point. My dad has bounced back, but mother is if anything getting a bit worse.
So much about mothers today and mine was the world to me and continues to be. The roles have changed, especially lately. I find that my serving her is still a joy and I have more patience than I would with one of my grandchildren or children. There is definitely that part of how she cared for me all those years and has shared her faith and wisdom with me throughout my life. I would have the gift of wonderful conversations on the phone where we would share the deepest and most important part of LIFE - The Truth that they brought our family into in The Church 48 years ago! The Holy Spirit leading them so often in these 70 years of marriage and family! I being the oldest of their 12 children have benefitted the most!
https://familysoulstory.blogspot.com/p/the-amazing-story-of-13-becoming.html
On the wall is one of my mom's paintings of my brothers and sister, Mary, on the beach in Michigan where we would spend the summer on the beach in Grand Traverse Bay. When my parents built their cabin in the Big Lake in the upper peninsula, and I would have my 2 weeks there....that is where I would water color, too!
Today St Paul to the Thessalonians - 1 Thessalonians 2
"Rather, we were gentle among you,
as a nursing mother cares for her children.
With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you
not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well,
so dearly beloved had you become to us."
My mother did this for me! Now I can in return do this for her with patience and love and appreciation for the gift of time with her and dad!
It was so special to also see the glorious Psalm 139 today in mass!
R.(1) You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
O LORD, you have probed me and you know me;
you know when I sit and when I stand;
you understand my thoughts from afar.
My journeys and my rest you scrutinize,
with all my ways you are familiar.
R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know the whole of it.
Behind me and before, you hem me in
and rest your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
too lofty for me to attain.
R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
Yes, Lord, you know me totally and completely and you have a plan just for me! Lately it is to be here with my parents weekly and watch out for their health and their needs! How we love to share our Faith with each other in prayer and sacraments! Jesus, your Word is always before us giving us Truth and wisdom. Thank you for your amazing Mother of heaven and earth, St Monica, who is there to pray and help us with our families, and my mother, who shared The Church with me and my father, and family! "as a nursing mother cares for her children", so I am lovingly nurtured and cared for! Currently I have 3 grandsons, who are cared and loved by their "nursing mothers" each is healthy and happy and is it such a marvelous blessing! Jesus, we trust in you. Amen and Hallelujah
Happy Feast Day
Saint Monica
Died: 387
Feast Day: August 27
Patronage: Those who have difficult marriages, disappointing children, victims of adultery or unfaithfulness, victims of (verbal) abuse, and conversion of relatives
Born in the early 300s, St. Monica is known for her perseveration in prayer. After enduring an unfaithful husband and immoral son, St. Monica's prayers prevailed! Her husband was baptized one year before his death, and her son is the great St. Augustine of Hippo.
Dad pointed out today the words - "the Lord is with you." So true for all of us! We are not alone!
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