Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious

Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and sisters, especially for strangers; they have testified to your love before the Church. Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey. For they have set out for the sake of the Name and are accepting nothing from the pagans. Therefore, we ought to support such persons, so that we may be co-workers in the truth.

Hospitality and friendliness toward strangers are virtues we all should strive for in our lives. Jesus was kind and welcoming to all who came to him, even those whom others saw as unclean, evil, or beneath their notice. Jesus did not care who a person was, he only saw the image of God within others and sought to renew and magnify that image in each person by showing them love and compassion. He supported all who came to him to the best of his abilities. He cured the sick, the lame, the possessed. He forgave sins. He poured out his graces and powers to bring as many as he could to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. If we want to be true imitators of Jesus, then we must do the same for all whom we meet in this life. Willing to help the needy, comfort the sick and sorrowing, protect the weak, and be faithful witnesses to all who come to us for aid.

Are we hospitable and friendly even to those whom we do not know or like? How can transform our own hearts into the welcoming heart of Jesus? What can we do to magnify the Lord in ourselves and others?

O Lord, make us faithful in all we do for your brothers and sisters.

Amen.