The Untold Stories Of Women And The ChurchНамуна

Monica of Hippo

Monica of Hippo is known as the patron saint of difficult marriages and disappointing children, which gives you a glimpse into the sort of life she lived. In spite of her Christian faith, Monica’s parents married her to a Roman non-believer—a guy with a not-so-great temper and who cheated on her throughout their marriage. He was irritated by Monica’s prayers, annoyed that she was giving to the poor, and when she asked to have their children baptized, he refused to give his permission. To make matters worse, his mother lived with them and wasn’t much of an improvement in terms of attitude and habits.

But despite this lack of support, Monica didn’t waver in her faith.

Monica’s oldest son was studying away from home when her husband died; and when he returned home, Monica discovered that he had converted to Manichaeism, a rival religion of Christianity at the time. So … she kicked her son out of the house, which was not the greatest knee-jerk reaction but soon after, she was reassured in a dream that her son would come back to the faith. So she made amends, and from that point on, she dedicated her life to encouraging her son’s return to Christianity. 

Her son didn’t always make this easy, once leaving town in the middle of the night to avoid his mother coming with him on a journey. But his mother followed after him, traveling to one city and then another, until she finally caught up with him in Milan.

It was in Milan that Monica and her son met a local church leader by the name of Ambrose, who had a profound effect on them both. Ambrose played a significant role in leading Monica’s son back to the faith after 17 years. After his conversion, Monica’s son, Augustine, went on to become one of the most influential Christian theologians and philosophers of all time. The western church wouldn’t look the way it does today had it not been for Augustine, and by extension, his mother Monica. 

What can we learn from Monica’s life? Don’t underestimate the gift of dedication. It might not seem like the flashiest gift, and it might take a lot of time before someone sees the fruit of their dedication. But Monica’s dedication to her son and his salvation had an immeasurable impact on Christianity.

If you’ve been gifted with dedication, don’t give up. The world might tell you to throw in the towel on a lost cause, but as long as you sense God’s leading, continue after whatever work He’s put in front of you. There is purpose in your perseverance. The road might be long, but in the end, it will be worth it.

Pray: God, thank You for Your constant and consistent patience with us. Right now, I am impatiently awaiting ____, but I ask that You give me perseverance and dedication in this waiting season. Help me show the same dedication Monica did, and reveal to me any areas of my life in which I need to persevere. In Jesus’ name, amen.