Care for Those on the Margins of Society

Homily for the Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary

The Gospel text for today’s feast day comes to us from the Gospel of St. Matthew and proclaims the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ on what has been called the last day and last judgment. Though we sometimes think that this refers to our own personal judgment, St. Matthew very clearly states that Jesus will separate the nations into two groups; namely, the sheep and the goats. We are asked to read this text in the context of the cultural connotations of the society and culture of the Middle East. People from the near, middle, and far east do not think of themselves as individuals so much as they look to the community, tribe, or family ties that define who they are as individuals. They view the history of the community to be their history. They regard the future of their community as their future. Even when they consider their present situation, it is always in terms of the group rather than the individual.

The difference between sheep and goats in this context is that while sheep graze on grass, goats will consume anything and everything. In this context, we understand that the community is responsible for the care of widows and orphans, of the poor, of the stranger, of the hungry and thirsty, of the ill, and of the imprisoned. Jesus makes it eminently clear in this particular teaching to his disciples that just as the covenant of Sinai dictated care for widows, orphans, and aliens in their midst, his covenant with us would involve even more people who are at risk, people who live on the margins.

The marvelous thing about the Franciscan Order, including all three branches of the Order, is our care for these very same people. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Queen of Thuringia, was a widow herself, but she used the resources of that kingdom to feed the poor and provide care for those who were ill. Her husband, Louis of Thuringia, died in a Crusade to free the Holy Land. While he was absent from the kingdom, she was his Regent, and after his death, she continued in this role until her eldest son came of age. Many in the court did not approve of her use of the resources of the kingdom and expelled her from the palace. However, when the King’s soldiers returned, they reinstated her to her rightful place.

Both the old and new covenants place extreme importance on the care of those who were at risk. In this Gospel story, it is the only criterion by which people are judged. Today, many who follow the Rule of the Secular Franciscans, both consecrated religious and lay, are also involved in this important work of God’s Kingdom. The humble and poor, crucified Savior is the model for our lives. As we receive him in communion today, we pledge ourselves to this important apostolic work in the Church.