Today's radio and television -- especially news and political commentary programs -- have brought so much pain and failure upon the American cultural scene. As posted during the days of the 2008 Presidential Campaign, underlying respect seems to have lost its place in society.
Imagine what St. Augustine would have had to endure if he were appointed a bishop today and his background were no different!
Likewise consider how people would treat St. Monica who was so public in her support of her son despite his youthful frivolity.
Surely Monica would be considered as foolish for her intense efforts through prayer to bring Auugustine back to God and the Church. Many would laugh at her!
Nevertheless she was strong enonough to live out the beliefs of her faith. Despite the odds she faced, she did not yield to critics and nay-sayers.
Monica could well be a model and patron for us today as we struggle to prevent the negativity that is dished out so easily. She loved her son but she also respected him and did all she could to renew his faith.
