Reflection
Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63
Psalm 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158
Luke 18:35-43
In the Gospel today, we hear the story of the blind man and his encounter with Jesus. The blind man hears a multitude passing by and asks what is happening. When he learns that Jesus is close by, he prays with all his might, calling out to Jesus. In his humility, and desperation, he cries out for mercy. The people walking in front try to silence him, but he is persistent, calling out a second time, and Jesus hears his cry, “Lord, let me receive my sight.” By the words of Jesus, and his own faith, the blind man’s sight is restored.
The blind man probably had to beg for his existence, and his life must have been exceedingly difficult. In contrast, today, we celebrate the memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. She was the daughter of a Hungarian King and was married to Ludwig of Thuringia. Despite her exalted position, Elizabeth became known for her generosity to the sick and the poor. She gave away treasures from the palace and did not worry what the household thought about her. At one point, her husband was called upon to find out what she was up to. He discovered that she was distributing bread to the hungry and giving away her regal raiment, while dressing simply, herself. Elizabeth found herself a widow at age 20 and dedicated her life to the sick and the poor as a lay Franciscan. She died aged 24, in 1231, and many miracles were reported. She was canonized just four years later.
A plaintive cry to Jesus, a cry of faithfulness, humility, and trust, “Lord, please let me see,” could be our own prayer, especially when we are in the midst of circumstances that we do not understand. The blind man had no idea what was going on, the day that Jesus came to town, and Elizabeth could not have imagined that she would be widowed at such a young age, but she persevered in holiness and service to others, making herself lowly, like the blind man.
The crowds obviously had no time or compassion for the blind man, but he didn’t care what they thought of him. After he was healed by Jesus, his joy was shared by all, even those that had previously scorned him, gave glory to God. Perhaps those once critical of Elizabeth’s charitable work, rejoiced and praised God as they witnessed the miracles after her death.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us, that we might see with the eyes of faith, attentive to the needs of others, and that we might always be examples of generosity and love.