I want to be in Heaven with the Lord someday, and I want to see my family and friends there too. I'd like to think that I'm one of those women, waiting for the Bridegroom who has the extra metaphorical lanterns and the oil for my loved ones. And Saint Monica seemed to be that kind of woman.

The warning at the very end of today's Gospel reading is a heavy one: "Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13). It's a reminder to keep our immortality at the front of our minds, and not just that, but our holiness—our preparedness to be present in front of the Lord. And we all know, that's no easy task—with the worries we have on our minds each week—with our jobs, our vocations, our internal struggles.

But Saint Monica also shows us to consider these things for our loved ones, too, and particularly not to despair when those situations seem hopeless. Saint Monica is probably most well-known for the fact that her son, Saint Augustine, converted after years and years (some say decades) of her praying for him to repent and change his ways. She never gave up, she always held onto hope, and she believed that the Lord would work in her son's heart. And He did.

If any of your loved ones have fallen away from the faith, or struggle with doubt, don't give up on praying for them, don't give up on hoping for them, and remember that the Lord is always working in their hearts. There's no hopeless cause with the Lord. Who or what would you like to bring to the Lord today?

[bctt tweet="There's no hopeless cause with the Lord. // Annie Deddens @praymorenovenas" username="blessedisshe__"]

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