Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious
(Revelation 3:1-6.14-22; Luke 19:1-10)
Some of the most famous images in modern Christian art
depict the scene at the end of today’s first reading. Christ is knocking on a closed door. The door is without a latch signifying that
it must be opened from the inside.
Christ will not force his will on anyone.
Written to the wealthy church in Laodicea, the reading is
meant to show the universality of Christ’s love. He cares about even those who only pay him
lip service. The Laodiceans produced an
expensive purple cloth and a celebrated eye ointment. Christ is telling them that their purple
cloth should be traded for a white baptismal robe. Further, he is saying that their eye ointment
pales in value to Christ’s. His anointing will afford them spiritual insight so
that they may distinguish good and bad.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary understood Christ’s message. She opened her door to Christ. At fourteen she was married to a king, but her
husband died within a few years.
Afterwards, Elizabeth let go of privilege. She gave the rest of her short life to
care for Christ whom she encountered in the poor.
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