On the Son Rise Morning Show, Courtney Brown, executive director of the Ruah Woods Institute, joins us on the feast of St. Monica to reflect on the extraordinary power of a mother’s prayers—and especially her tears.

St. Monica prayed for years for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine, who would eventually become one of the Church’s greatest saints, theologians, and Doctors. Courtney draws on Augustine’s own Confessions and a reflection from Pope Benedict XVI to explore how deeply Monica grieved over her son’s spiritual condition. Her sorrow over his separation from God was even greater than the grief she would have experienced over his physical death.

The conversation turns to the encouragement this gives parents today, especially those praying for children who have fallen away from the faith. Courtney reflects on the reminder that some walls can be built that only heaven can climb—and that parents ultimately have to entrust their children to God's grace.

The Gospel traditionally associated with St. Monica’s feast, the raising of the widow’s son at Nain (Luke 7:11–17), provides an especially beautiful backdrop. Jesus sees a grieving mother, is moved with compassion, and gives her son back to her. Courtney and the hosts reflect on the profound connection between this Gospel, St. Monica's tears, and God's special tenderness toward mothers.

The discussion also draws on St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body, particularly the connection between motherhood, the feminine vocation, self-gift, and participation in God's life-giving love.

Above all, St. Monica's witness reminds parents that God has not forgotten a child who has wandered from Him. We are called to love, pray, persevere, and entrust our children completely to the Lord.

Learn more about the Ruah Woods Institute and its K–12 Theology of the Body curriculum through the link in the show notes at SonRiseMorningShow.com.

On the Son Rise Morning Show, Courtney Brown, executive director of the Ruah Woods Institute, joins us on the feast of St. Monica to reflect on the extraordinary power of a mother&rsquo;s prayers&mdash;and especially her tears.
St. Monica prayed for years for the conversion of her son, St. Augustine, who would eventually become one of the Church&rsquo;s greatest saints, theologians, and Doctors. Courtney draws on Augustine&rsquo;s own Confessions and a reflection from Pope Benedict XVI to explore how deeply Monica grieved over her son&rsquo;s spiritual condition. Her sorrow over his separation from God was even greater than the grief she would have experienced over his physical death.
The conversation turns to the encouragement this gives parents today, especially those praying for children who have fallen away from the faith. Courtney reflects on the reminder that some walls can be built that only heaven can climb&mdash;and that parents ultimately have to entrust their children to God's grace.
The Gospel traditionally associated with St. Monica&rsquo;s feast, the raising of the widow&rsquo;s son at Nain (Luke 7:11&ndash;17), provides an especially beautiful backdrop. Jesus sees a grieving mother, is moved with compassion, and gives her son back to her. Courtney and the hosts reflect on the profound connection between this Gospel, St. Monica's tears, and God's special tenderness toward mothers.
The discussion also draws on St. John Paul II&rsquo;s Theology of the Body, particularly the connection between motherhood, the feminine vocation, self-gift, and participation in God's life-giving love.
Above all, St. Monica's witness reminds parents that God has not forgotten a child who has wandered from Him. We are called to love, pray, persevere, and entrust our children completely to the Lord.
Learn more about the Ruah Woods Institute and its K&ndash;12 Theology of the Body curriculum through the link in the show notes at SonRiseMorningShow.com.

Son Rise Morning Show The Son Rise Morning Show with Anna Mitchell and Matt Swaim is fast-paced, motivating and informational – always from the Catholic perspective. You’ll hear news, engaging interviews, prayer and more each weekday morning from 6am-8am ET. 

Son Rise Morning Show The Son Rise Morning Show with Anna Mitchell and Matt Swaim is fast-paced, motivating and informational – always from the Catholic perspective. You’ll hear news, engaging interviews, prayer and more each weekday morning from 6am-8am ET. <a href="https://www.ewtn.com/radio/podcasts/son-rise-morning-show-~NZ"></a>