Friday 4 July 2025
St Elizabeth of Portugal
Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good – Ps 105(106):1-5. Matthew 9:9-13.
Blessed are the peacemakers
Today, the citizens of the US celebrate their independence. Sometimes I think we should also have days to celebrate our interdependence: our inherent bond with every member of God’s family. We all share the same dignity. Our connection with others, regardless of wealth or nation, is a door through which God’s grace enters the world. Today is also the feast of Elizabeth of Portugal, a queen who lived in the Middle Ages. She is remembered as a person whose deep faith was found in her concern for the sick and poor. On one occasion, riding a humble donkey, she positioned herself between two opposing armies on a battlefield to prevent them fighting. One army was led by her husband, King Denis, and the other by her son, Alfonso. They were both driven by anger. In contrast, she was motivated by the words of Jesus, ‘blessed are the peacemakers’. We should pray that such leaders may emerge in our time. Jesus says, ‘what I want is mercy’.
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