Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary
(II
Maccabees 7.1.20-21; Luke 19:11-28)
As children,
we were given chores to do each day. Too
often, we waited until the moments before mother came home to do them. Unsurprisingly, often enough the chores were either
half done or undone. Mother, of course,
was not pleased when she entered the house.
Jesus makes a similar point in today’s gospel.
The context
of the parable points to its meaning.
People were expecting the establishment of Christ’s kingdom upon his
arrival in Jerusalem. Jesus intends to
show them not only that there will be a delay but also that he will leave them
awhile before returning in glory. In the
meantime, his followers must work to build up the populace. Two disciples perform admirable service and
are richly rewarded. One, however,
shirks his duty and is duly punished.
Today’s
patron, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, heeded the parable. Although a queen, she did not luxuriate in but
shared her fortune with the poor. She gave
testimony for all to emulate of how to preach the gospel with our lives.
