November 17 – St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Our readings recently have been increasingly about faith and the importance of trust in God AND following where God leads us.  Our second readings from Hebrews have reinforced that Jesus is our model and salvation.  Our first reading this week closes with,  “Those who lead many to justice will shine like the stars forever.”  This is where the readings about the end of time become less about something we hope will be in the far future and more about the way that we are living our faith now.  We need to lead the many to justice.  We are called to lead others to justice.  We are called to help them see His Presence in our actions, our care for the poor, the struggling, the sick, and all who are dependent on our compassion.  We are called to live our faith, reflecting the love of Christ here and now, that we might shine like the stars.

St. Elizabeth is a kindred spirit to the work we do in SVdP.  She was the daughter of the King of Hungary. But she led a life of prayer, sacrifice and service to the poor and sick. Seeking to become one with the poor, she wore simple clothing. Daily she would take bread to hundreds of the poorest in the land, who came to her gate.  She lived a short life dying at the age of 24 in the early 1200’s.    She shared the zeal – the passion – Vincent had for serving the poor.  She is the patron saint of Catholic Charities.  Like St. Vincent, she saw the need to live our faith now in obedience to the example of Jesus.  Do I look to live my faith today, by bringing justice or do I rely on the hope of the future?  Do I let my prayer lifeform my actions and lead me to compassion and mercy for the poor and struggling?

Lord Jesus, help me to see the injustices of society and help me to work against them. Let me see the hope of the future but understand my call to live today.  Help me to submit in obedience to the example of Christ in bringing justice and compassion to all who are in need.  Let me act with the passion, zeal and conviction of St. Vincent and St. Elizabeth of Hungary.  We pray all of this in your name.  Amen

Deacon Mike