Originally posted in 2004 with addition below:
Today is the feast day of Saint Monica. How many mothers have identified with her at some point in their children's lives. I am positive my own mother has. I was a son who wandered off and pulled stunts that made the prodigal son look like a missionary. Yet still my mother prayed for me hoping that at some point I would find my way back.
Reflection: I read Confessions (thank your for the copy Fr. Art, I still have it) and I wonder; How much pain did Augustine cause his mother? How many nights did he stumble home only to wake up facing her sad expression? How often did he seem to forsake all of the gifts and talents that he had been given simply because there was an easier path to follow?
As a son who walked in the path of Augustine, I think of St. Monica today and I think of my own mother. The gifts my mother gave me will outlive any material thing that I sought to attain as I attempted to ignore what she had given me. A love of learning, an appreciation for art and music, the introduction and continued development of my faith, the ability to forgive.
This was the original post I made 6 years ago. Six years later and the sentiments are still the same. As a parent I see in my daughters their potential and hope to give them the best upbringing that we can. Like Monica's son, I have no desire to see my children follow exactly in my footsteps. Six years later the forgiveness hurdle is still one I struggle with but, progress is being made.
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