Daily Reflection
August 27, 2026

You are enriched in every way…You are not lacking in any spiritual gift. – Saint Paul

Today is the memorial of Saint Monica. The mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Here is a woman who was enriched with grace and not lacking in any spiritual gift. It appears, she was patient, kind, and seemed to embodied the gifts of the Holy Spirit--wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. This is especially evident in her constant efforts, tears and prayers, to bring about her son’s conversion. This was her life-long prayer and desire. As a loving faith-filled mother, she wanted only the best for her children, but especially for her son, Augustine, who needed to know Christ… “To be sanctified in Christ Jesus, and who was called to be holy…”

As we know, this became a reality. Her prayers were answered in God choosing Saint Augustine to be great among the Doctors of the Church. It is my understanding that he is also called a Doctor of Grace recognizing his contributions of teachings on grace. His mother, Saint Monica, I believe, through her life’s example, is as much a doctor of grace as her son! Perhaps not through Theological writings and discourse, but through her witness and persistence. Through her knowledge and understanding. Through her belief and trust in God.

We can learn from Saint Monica never to give up. God hears our cries and knows our hearts desires. Trusting in that and believing in that, we can be assured that we, too, are not lacking in any spiritual gift. Be aware of the “Grace” that dwells within you.

Be aware. Stay awake! Jesus instructs us to be aware in today’s Gospel. It seems that this “thief-like-image” tells us God will arrive unannounced at any time, so be ready and awake. But perhaps not only at the end of time, or at one’s death, it tells us that God reveals God’s presence to each of us all the time and all we need to do is to be aware. Be aware of being “filled with grace.” Be aware, perhaps of our own call to conversion of heart.

I don’t like the “thief” image, although effective. If anyone ever had a thief enter their home, they know the feelings of being frightened with an invasion of personal space. One’s safe place did not feel so safe anymore. I had this experience in the middle of the night. This Gospel always brings it back! However, somehow, I had the courage to face the intruder (without a weapon). It all turned out without any physical harm to me, to him, or my environment with the help that quickly arrived. As I have reflected about this, I recognized I had the interior strength to meet the threat with the grace of God. God was with me. God already arrived before this happened! This for sure, I have no doubt. God is not the thief. But, like practice, God is one of surprise and unpredictable presence. Can you recognize God’s presence in the midst of crisis or trouble?

This analogy that Jesus uses also lets us know that interiorly, we can meet and overcome the threats that attempt to distance us from God’s love and grace because God is already present in mystery and spirit. Like Saint Augustine who lived his early life far from godly ways, have our Saint Monica(s) praying for us. We have people ready to help us find our ways to move forward. We have God. Pray. Like Saint Monica, never give up on a conversation with God, Jesus or Spirit.

Be aware! Every day is an invitation to a conversion of heart. Every day is a day to turn our hearts toward God in becoming who we are called to be and do. Saint Monica believed her life mission was praying for the conversion of her son, Saint Augustine. When it was achieved through the grace of God, she felt her life complete. Will we come to know the satisfaction of our lives complete? Saint Paul assures us; God will keep you firm to the end. God is faithful. You are enriched in every way. You are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revelation of Christ Jesus.

Let us pray:
I will praise your name for ever, God.
Generations after generation praises your works. 
- Psalm 145 excerpt

Songs: 
O Beauty Ever Ancient by Roc O’Connor, SJ - Based on the prayer of Saint Augustine. 
You Are Near by Dan Schutte – Based on Psalm 13