Getting to know St. Monica

Dear reader, you know I am a fan of the community at Pray More Novenas, and I received an email this week that the next novena they’re planning - and which starts tomorrow - is the novena to St. Monica.

“This next saint we're calling on is especially known for being a persistent intercessor, and she also desired for those closest to her to reach Heaven someday,” the email tells us.

St. Monica is known for being a persistent pray-er because she prayed a long time for the conversion of her son, now known as St. Augustine, and also her husband.

I think about prayer a lot. Not what it is, but how it works - that it is not just about supplication, but also fidelity. Also, the knowledge that God works outside of time. So it is not simply a transaction, wherein I ask, and God gives. The act of praying is a sort of journey, to get to somewhere - and that might not be a “yes.” It might be greater trust in God, greater reverence for His will, greater obedience, or humility. God does always answer prayers, as they say, just not necessarily always how we want him to.

In praying for St. Monica’s intercession, you may want to consider difficult, long-lasting areas of concern in your life. Naturally many of us turn to tough relationships we want healed, yes. But is there something else? Is there something in your future that needs prayer? Is there an outcome that feels like an impossibility, something that needs developed and will take time? These are good matters to bring to St. Monica.

I am reminded, too, that it never hurts to pray for greater love and trust in Jesus. St. Monica, pray for us!

June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Isn’t it nice that the Catholic Church celebrates all sorts of fancy and beautiful celebrations all year long? In May, we celebrated Mary, and in June, it is the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Pray More Novenas has begun the Sacred Heart Novena, which you can join here. It ends on Friday, June 11, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (you should go to Mass that day).

I was thinking about the idea of the heart of Jesus, and hearts generally, and remembered an article I wrote a couple years ago, called “There is No Saint of the Broken Hearted.” The bottom line of that article is that the reason there are no saints of heartbreak is because that is the role Jesus fills. We have him to mend our hearts; his sacred heart already understands human heartbreak because he experienced it, too.

A programming note: the Morning Air show has changed hosts and staff, and I am working on getting reintroduced and back on the air with them regularly. I hope to continue appearing there - it is just a lot of fun!

May you have a blessed and peaceful month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Please pray for me, and I will do the same for you.

Latest article: When You Want to Give Back to God

Hi all! My latest article is up at Catholic Stand, called “When You Want to Give Back to God.”

It was inspired by a conversation had on the Morning Air program a few weeks back. My favorite thing was being able to incorporate a bit of scripture that has importance for me; during Lent a couple years ago I took this part down from one first readings in the run-up to Lent, printed it, and sent it in cards to friends and family. That was one of the things I “added” during that Lent. Here it is, Sirach 35:1-13:

“To keep the law is to make many offerings; whoever observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering.  By works of charity one offers fine flour, and one who gives alms presents a sacrifice of praise.

“To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is atonement.  Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts.

“The offering of the just enriches the altar: a sweet odor before the Most High.  The sacrifice of the just is accepted, never to be forgotten.

“With a generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, and do not spare your freewill gifts.  With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy.

“Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means.  For he is a God who always repays and will give back to you sevenfold.”

It hit me in a particular way not because it outlines what God demands (none of these things are things he demands, in fact) but because of how it ends: with the promise of God’s love and abundance. “He is a God who always repays and will give back to you sevenfold.”

Amen! And Happy Memorial Day. Praying for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may enjoy our freedoms today.