Today we celebrate the memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. It is very apropos that the Gospel is this parable about talents. Saint Elizabeth put this into action. Though she grew up wealthy, she continually spent her life serving the poor. She had four children with her husband before his death in the crusades. Built two hospitals. Ran a kingdom. She joined the Franciscan third order and spent her days in service to the poor. That is definitely a life that we can emulate.
After reading all the things she did and went through, I realized she died at just 24 years of age. However, by 24, she was one of those with ten talents, returning to the king with a great deal more than she started with. So, how are we doing? Comparing ourselves to her might make us feel guilty. Maybe even a twinge of fear. But, it should also make us take a moment to evaluate how we are using those physical and spiritual gifts that God has entrusted to us.
If you were here yesterday, you would have heard the story of Zaccheus and Jesus declaring that “today I must stay at your house.” Luke places this parable immediately after that, just before Jesus is going to enter Jerusalem and be declared king. The parable shows us what is happening. This is the king’s return. Jesus is telling them who He is. It isn’t just pointing to the end of time but also to the reality of that moment. Jesus, the king, the just judge, has come to Jerusalem.
Now, here, at this moment, in every Catholic Church in the world, we can experience that reality for ourselves at the Altar. Jesus Christ made present in the hands of our priest through the power of the Holy Spirit and through the words of consecration, the words Jesus Himself spoke at the last supper. Are we prepared for that? Have we been using the talents that God has given us, sharing them with those who have less? Or are we wrapping them in a napkin, keeping them hidden in our hearts, afraid to share them with the world? This isn’t a parable of fear but a parable of encouragement. One of hope. Jesus reminds us that as long as we have one more breath to take, one more moment to live, we have an opportunity to take what we have been entrusted with and share it, grow it, and grow the Kingdom of God.
A reflection on the readings for Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary: Wednesday, November, 17th, 2021