Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious
Years ago, in a class taught by a theologian named Megan McKenna, I learned a principle that has fundamentally changed the way I read or listen to scripture. Her idea is that if there is a scripture that really stands out to a reader or a hearer, that this is where the Holy Spirit is guiding us. Megan went so far as to say that if a scripture really bothers you, God is trying to use those words to provoke a change in your heart. It is a great principle, and when I utilize it, the Spirit nudges my heart to change.
A changing heart can be elusive when reading the book of Revelation. However the reading today is a reminder that heaven is a beautiful place full of majesty and wonder. The imagery is so vivid and colorful, yet what really struck my heart was the role of the living creatures. What they did was “give glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever.” (Rev. 4: 9) These creatures do this 24/7. Today’s responsorial was surely the source of the words that the Johannine epistle places in the mouth of these creatures: “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, might God!” (Ps 150 1b) This of course begs the question, what are phrases that are on our lips constantly? Do we constantly praise God? Or is grumbling more our style? Note that grumbling is not one of the suggested options for best practice of a faithful disciple.
The effects of grumbling as a style of discipleship are illustrated in today’s gospel. Ten servants were each given a gold coin and told to use them to ‘Engage in trade with these until I return.’ (Luke 19: 13b) Only one of the servants was afraid of this task and they stored the coin in a safe place. This servant was condemned as wicked upon the return of the king. The phrase ‘engage in trade’ seemed to me as if I had never read it ever before. The implications of this phrase in the context of today’s feast seem clear. Praising God constantly and using our God given gifts are the best way we can ‘engage in trade’.
Engaging implies that we are actively serving the Lord. And that is why the Church has chosen today’s readings for St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Elizabeth was the daughter of the king of Hungary. Earthly status not withstanding Elizabeth’s heart was changed through the spiritual direction of a Franciscan. Hers was a life of prayer and service to the poor and sick. Instead of exalting herself as a person of nobility, Elizabeth lived as a humble servant who was compassionate to the poor. St. Elizabeth’s example changed many hearts and models for us centuries later what it means to be ‘engaged’ in the trade of faithful discipleship.
-Michael Montgomery