The Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
(Wisdom 13:1-9, Luke 17:26-37)
“From the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen” (Wis 13:5). This theme is echoed in Psalm 19, “the heavens declare the glory of God, their vastness declare the work of his hands” (Ps. 19:1). God tried to impress on Abram the awesomeness of the universe. “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can” (Gen. 15:5). Joining Abram in his heavenward gaze, I am drawn again to the book of Psalms. “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the children of man that you pay attention to them?” (Ps. 8:3-4) In comparison to the heavens, we seem relatively insignificant. The psalmist tells us that no matter how insignificant we may seem, “Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture” (Ps.100:3). Not only did God create us in his image and likeness, but he also redeemed us in the blood of his beloved Son. Saint Paul wrote: “you were bought at a high price, the precious blood of Jesus, therefore, honor and glorify God with your body” (1Cor. 6:20). Saint Peter rounds out this theme, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. Because of this, you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). God lights up our lives, guides our steps, and carries us close to his heart.
If you see the moon, you see the beauty of God.
If you see the Sun, you see the power of God.
And If you see the Mirror, you see the best Creation of God
(Iamdarshan)
If only we could comprehend the depth of God’s love for us. God’s love is a consuming fire and with that fire, he illumines our world. God’s love, revealed to us in Christ, takes us to new heights. The depths of his infinite love caused him to be brought low. He was willing to enter the deep and dark places of the human soul so that he could carry us to the heights of his kingdom of light. Because he knew heartache, Christ was close to the broken-hearted. Because he knew grief, he could comfort those who mourn. Because he knew rejection, he could accompany those who were outcasts. Because of his infinite mercy, he seeks the lost. Because of his unity with the Father, he became a father to the orphaned. In imitation of his Father, Christ gives justice to the oppressed, food to the hungry, freedom to prisoners and shelter to the homeless.
“God made his light shine in our hearts that we might know the glory that is reflected in the face of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). If we let the flame of love burn in our hearts, we will be a light for those who walk in darkness. If we allow the fire of divine love to consume us, we will be a light of hope to all we meet. If we reflect the light shining on the face of Christ, his light will overcome the darkness.
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