the King's daughter

2 mac 6:18-31; Ps 3 The Lord upholds me; Lk 19:1-10

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." Thornton Wilde

"Charm is the ability to be truly interested in other people." Richard Avedon

"Science is organized knowledge; wisdom is organized life." Immanuel Kant

As I ponder the feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary these three quotes come to mind. The daughter of a king, princess in the eyes of the world, she decides to give her loyalty to her God and subject herself to her subjects both poor and lowly.

In the words of the first reading she became a "model of courage and an unforgettable example of virtue not only for the young but for the whole nation."

She took the words of Psalm 45 to heart and allowed them to shape her life, "Listen, O daughter, give ear to my words: forget your own people and your father's house. So will the king desire your beauty" he is your Lord, pay homage to him...the daughter of the king is clothed with splendor, her robes embroidered with pearls set in gold. She is led to the king with her maiden companions. They are escorted amid gladness and joy; they pass with in the palace of the king."

She became forgetful of herself, but never forgetful of her God; in her devotion to him, she became the King's daughter above all else and dedicated her life to his service by tending to the poor and afflicted and hungry.

She was wise for she order her life according to God's desire. She was truly conscious for she treasured the pearl of great price and understood what treasure she held in the gift of her faith. She was charming, for all who came to her, the least of the least, she recognized with great interest as the King in disguise seeking her embrace.

She was wise, conscious, and charming. Today she remains for us a model to follow; today she is enrolled in the roll call of saints interceding for us along the way.

Like Zacchaeus, she refused to be just another face in the crowd. She refused to just stay on the ground but she soared. As Zacchaeus climbed the Sycamore to get a closer look at Jesus and was changed for ever, in her heart Elizabeth ascended so that she might get a better look of the King; in spying him in her heart, she was moved to do her part, her duty to her King, a life of loyalty in love.