21st Week in Ordinary Time : Thursday 27th August 2020

Paul wrote his letters to instruct the new communities and to correct their faults, often serious moral or doctrinal faults, which had arisen. But apart from the Letter to the Galatians, he does not begin with his instruction or with their problems.

After his introduction, where he wishes the community “Grace and peace”, he gives thanks to God for the goodness and fervour of these new Christians. This is true even in the case of the Corinthians, a particularly troublesome community.

Because of his faith and trust in God, Paul was able to point to good things: “In Christ Jesus, they have been richly endowed with every gift of speech and knowledge,” (1 Cor 1:5).

This expression of thanksgiving situates his letter in the presence of God to help the community understand that everything he says comes from faith and leads to greater faith, hope and love. This was also the experience of St Monica, the mother of St Augustine.

St Monica, whose feast we celebrate today was largely responsible for her son’s conversion through her tears and unceasing prayers. She had the joy and consolation of seeing her son converted and baptised after seventeen years of waywardness. Then as a bishop and thinker, he wrote much and influenced the development of Catholic Philosophy and Theology.

Father in Heaven, enlighten our minds and hearts that we may see good in all the problems and crises of life. Amen.