Daily Gospel Reflection for August 27, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

A priest remarked, "the longer the wait, the greater the miracle.” Have you ever waited an exceptionally long time for an answered prayer? You prayed and waited for a husband, for a baby, or for your child to return to the faith. The years passed as you continued to bring your intentions to the Lord. The wait seemed like an eternity.

St. Monica, whose feast we celebrate today, understands. With tears in her eyes yet hope in her heart, she fervently prayed and waited. She knew God heard her prayer. With a mother’s heart, she continued to beseech God for her wayward child, Augustine. After twenty years, St. Monica’s son not only converted to the faith but was transformed into a saint and one of the Church’s greatest theologians. God used him to lead many to the Catholic faith.

What an example St. Monica’s life is for today’s Gospel reading. In my mind’s eye, I can picture St. Monica alone and quietly pouring out her heart to her God. Even though it required years of waiting, she placed her hope in her faithful God.

Not so the Pharisees. They paraded themselves for all to see, preaching sermons from their intellect and pointing fingers at others, yet blind to the message themselves. They led with their mouths and pride, not their hearts.

God calls us to cleanse the inside of the “cup,” which can only be accomplished by God if we allow Him to purify our souls. This miracle will occur as we spend time with Him in quiet, humble prayer and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us. He bathes us in His love and mercy, cleansing our souls of the stains of sin that we were unaware existed. I guess you can say it is an inside job!

Ponder:

Have you been waiting an exceptionally long time for God to answer your prayer?

Pray:

Dear God, help us to always remember the steadfast faith of St. Monica and how miraculously God answered her prayers. May the words, “the longer the wait, the greater the miracle,” encourage us on our journey.

Daily Gospel 2