Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal

The way we came to know love was that he laid down his life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If someone who has worldly means sees a brother in need and refuses him compassion, how can the love of God remain in him? (1 John 3:16-17)

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal is also known as Elizabeth the Peacemaker. She utilized all available means to help bring about peace. She was known for helping to settle disputes among her royal relatives. She once rode between two armies to reconcile her son with his father Dinis. Years later, she died on her way to the battlefield to make peace between her son, then King Afonso IV, and Alfonso XI of Castile.

Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for these least brothers of mine, you did for me…. Amen, I say to you, what you did not do for one of these least ones, you did not do for me. (Matthew 25:40,45)

It seems to me that Saint Elizabeth had a clear vision of Jesus. She knew how to find him in the needy, the poor, the lonely, and the separated. She knew what he asked of her, and she knew who she was in him.

Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth. (1 John 3:18)

This Eucharist we receive is the love of God who died for you and me. It is the love that comes down to heal our hearts and gives us the grace first to receive and then share his peace. This is our shared mission: “Go in peace.”

May the peace of the risen Jesus always dwell in you! (Saint Peter Julian Eymard, A Thought Per Day)

Let us pray:

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

(Prayer generally attributed to St. Francis)