November 17, 2012 
Memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, religious
Saint of the day
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231)
Saint Elizabeth was born in 1207 as a princess of Hungary. She lived there until she was four, and then went to live with her betrothed, Louis, the Landgrave of Thuringia. When Franciscan friars arrived in Germany, Elizabeth not only learned about the principles of Francis of Assisi, but she started to live them as well. Louis was not upset by his wife's charity, because he was so in love with her. When famine, floods, and plague wrought havoc on the people of Thuringia, Elizabeth distributed alms in all parts of their territory, even giving away state robes and ornaments to the poor, which angered her in-laws. Elizabeth's life changed drastically when Louis died en route to join the Sixth Crusade. After her husband's death, Elizabeth left court and moved to Marburg. Tradition says that she was cast out by Henry, Louis's brother. She died at the age of 24 in Marburg, and was canonized in 1235.
Reflection
At one time or another, we all have disagreements with our family members. Saint Elizabeth disagreed with her family about her decision to help the poor through any means necessary, including giving away family possessions to raise money during times of trouble. Think of your relationship with your family. Are there things that you could work on to strengthen your relationship? Ask for God's help to love each of your family members more, and to truly show them respect.
Prayer
I want to honor and respect my family, God. Help me to love better. (Taken from “Good News Day by Day: Bible Reflections for Teens.”)
Liturgical season information
Lectionary: 496
Place in Year: Ordinary Time
Color of decorations and priest's vestments: White
Daily readings
Reading 1: 3 John 5-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6
Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
View complete readings on USCCB.orgMeditations
Meditation for Reading 1
In this Scripture passage, the author is encouraging a Christian leader to open his home to Christian workers who were passing through his city. This admonition is appropriate for the feast day of Saint Cabrini, otherwise known as Mother Cabrini. She opened her heart and her home to orphans and the needy. In the course of her life, this American saint founded sixty-seven institutions dedicated to caring for poor, sick, uneducated, and abandoned people. She died in Chicago of malaria in one of the hospitals she founded. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
