Unity through Compassion: Lessons from Saint Elisabeth 

This morning, I was moved to reflect on the life of Saint Elisabeth, cousin of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It was a strange and moving thought because I am not a devout Christian. Perhaps my unconscious mind was finally breaking free from the noise, propaganda, and hostility of recent days. As I learned more about Elisabeth, I understood why my mind was impressed. And I wanted to share the lessons I’ve learned with those who want to reflect on values which transcend race, nationality, and religion. 

Elisabeth is praised in Christianity and Islam as an exemplary of faith, patience, and compassion. Around us, there are people who emulate her compassion. They make a profound impact when they stand together for justice, truth, and fairness. Many of us are waking up from a comfortable slumber, having looked the other way when elected officials failed to represent us and our values. But today, we are reminded that ultimately, we must remain vigilant if we want to live in a fair and just world.

Elisabeth in Christianity, Islam and Judaism

In Christianity, Elisabeth is the mother of John the Baptist, who prepared the world for the ministry of Christ. In the Gospel of Luke, she is described as a righteous woman who was never able to have children. When she was past childbearing age, as a reward for her unwavering faith, she miraculously conceived and gave birth to John. In Islam, she is mentioned in the Quran as the wife of Zechariah and the mother of John (Yahya). She is praised for waiting patiently for many years to have a child, and for never giving up hope. When she was told that she would conceive a child, she said, “My Lord, how can I have a son when I am an old woman and my husband is an old man?” (Quran 3:40). In both traditions, Elisabeth is a symbol of hope and redemption. Judaism offers a similar story in Hannah, the mother of the Prophet Samuel. Like Elisabeth, Hannah could not have children. Her fervent prayers, and her promise to dedicate her child to God, are similar to the patience and devotion seen in Elisabeth’s life.

We are Elisabeth

The beauty of Elisabeth’s story is that it bridges diverse traditions, and this universality is at the heart of the brave activism I see every day. I’ve seen how our compassion and advocacy as a society are helping to amplify the voices of the oppressed. I have seen renewed efforts to support the people who are helping to alleviate the suffering of others. The voices of the oppressed, marginalised, and downtrodden have been calling out for justice. More and more people are listening. They are inspired, in their own lives, to show up with resilience, kindness, and advocacy. Let us now recognise these values in ourselves. 

Resilience through community: Elisabeth’s relationship with Mary, the mother of Jesus, shows us that we thrive in supportive and empathetic communities. Oppressed people find strength in unity by connecting with others who have similar experiences.

The power of prayer: Elisabeth’s patience and faith were supported by continuous prayer. Prayer is a way for us to focus on healing. Keep encouraging oppressed individuals to find solace and strength through prayer, meditation, or mindfulness, as these can be a source of comfort, which they need.

Acts of kindness: Elisabeth’s open declaration of support for her young cousin, Mary, at the Visitation, was kind. Five months into her miraculous pregnancy, she helped her cousin to shoulder the weight of her calling, by accepting God’s plan for John, her own child. This was the extent of her kindness and compassion. Acts of kindness within our communities should be acknowledged and encouraged. This will foster a sense of unity, which others can emulate. 

Finding meaning in suffering: Elisabeth found meaning in her own suffering. And similarly, our experiences with adversity have helped us to understand others who are struggling. Maintaining a positive focus can send a powerful message to others who are in despair.

Learning from history

It is so important for us to learn from the past. And for me, this means connecting Elisabeth’s story with other histories of resilience and triumph over adversity. By focusing on positive values, I have been able to fully appreciate the advocacy work of others. While patience and faith are important, we must actively work towards positive changes in our world. Even if we can’t do something on our own, we can support those who engage in advocacy.

Outro

Saint Elisabeth reminds us that if we have enduring hope and resilience, we will be redeemed. For people of faith, she symbolises trust in the divine plan. She shows us that even in the most improbable circumstances, our faith, patience, and humility can be our greatest strengths.

Hopefully, we have seen the richness of Elisabeth’s values reflected in our own lives. If so, may we be encouraged to continue, because as a global community, we have done good work through our love and respect for humanity.