There’s nothing that makes people’s blood boil like driving in traffic. It’s annoying, it takes a long time, and it’s beyond our control. So what do you do when you’re stuck in traffic, running late, and ready to start punching your steering wheel? Ask St. Monica!
Known for her exemplary patience, St. Monica prayed relentlessly for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine, for years without seeing any sign that her prayers were heard or answered. But eventually, not only was her son converted to Christianity, he became a great saint and a Doctor of the Church. Now, St. Monica’s intercession is requested by many an impatient soul for peace and trust in God.
If you’re stuck in traffic — or you just need some extra patience — take a deep breath and spend a moment whispering these words to a very patient woman …
Dear St. Monica, you displayed incredible patience as you waited and prayed for many years for your son, your husband, and other family members who needed to repent and embrace the Trinitarian God. It must have been difficult to remain peaceful in the moment, to wait for such a long time not knowing if your prayers for them would ever be answered. Please pray for me today that I may be patient in my daily trials. When I am tempted to lose my temper, be rude to another person, or to react in anger, please ask the Holy Spirit to give me the grace to remain calm, to focus on what matters, and to never lose my peace, which is always and everywhere to found in the Lord. St. Monica, thank you for being a model of patience and for interceding for me. Amen.
And today we celebrate...