November 17
St Elizabeth of Hungary
Tuesday, week 33 in Ordinary Time — Year II
St Elizabeth of Hungary (1207–1231) stands as a radiant example of Christian charity and the Gospel lived out in daily life. Born into royal privilege as the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary, Elizabeth was married at a young age to Ludwig IV, the Landgrave of Thuringia. Despite her privileged position, she showed an extraordinary concern for the poor, establishing hospitals and personally tending to the sick and the hungry. After the early death of her husband, Elizabeth chose to renounce her wealth and status, embracing a life of poverty, humility, and service inspired by the example of St Francis of Assisi. She became a member of the Third Order of St Francis, marking her as one of the earliest lay Franciscans. Her short life was marked by deep piety, notable miracles, and steadfast devotion to the corporal works of mercy.
The Church commemorates St Elizabeth of Hungary as a shining model for all Christians, especially in her integration of profound faith and compassionate action. Her memory reminds believers that true Christian nobility is found not in status, but in serving Christ through the poor and suffering. She is honored as the patroness of bakers, widows, the homeless, and charitable societies. The enduring impact of her life and witness encourages the faithful to seek practical ways to love their neighbor through sacrificial love and generosity.
Permanent link
Ask a question about today’s feast
Questions about St Elizabeth of Hungary (Novus Ordo Missae)
The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingAp 3, 1-6.14-22
I, John, heard the Lord saying to me:
To the angel of the Church in Sardis, write:
Thus says the one who has the seven spirits of God
and the seven stars:
I know your deeds;
I know that you have a reputation for being alive,
but you are dead.
Be alert, strengthen what remains
and was about to die,
because I have not found your works complete
before my God.
So, remember what you have received and heard,
keep it, and repent.
If you do not stay awake, I will come like a thief
and you will not know
at what hour I will come upon you.
Yet you have a few people in Sardis
who have not soiled their garments;
dressed in white, they will walk with me,
because they are worthy.
Thus, the victor will be clothed in white garments;
I will never erase his name from the book of life;
his name, I will proclaim it
before my Father and before his angels.
Whoever has ears,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.
To the angel of the Church in Laodicea, write:
Thus says the Amen,
the faithful and true witness,
the beginning of God’s creation:
I know your works;
I know that you are neither cold nor hot
—it would be better if you were either cold or hot.
So, because you are lukewarm
—neither hot nor cold—
I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
You say: "I am rich,
I have become wealthy and need nothing,"
and you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful,
poor, blind and naked!
Therefore, I advise you:
buy from me gold refined by fire to become rich,
white garments to cover yourself
and keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen,
salve to anoint your eyes
so that you may see.
I rebuke and discipline all those whom I love.
So, be earnest and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears my voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him;
I will eat with him, and he with me.
The victor, I will give the right to sit with me
on my Throne,
as I myself, after my victory,
sat with my Father on his Throne.
Whoever has ears,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.
– The word of the Lord.
PsalmPs 14 (15), 1a.2, 3bc-4ab, 4d.5
Lord, who can dwell in your tent?
Whoever lives blamelessly,
who acts with justice
and speaks the truth from his heart.
He does no harm to his brother
and does not insult his neighbor.
In his eyes, the vile are despised,
but he honors those who fear the Lord.
he does not break his word.
He lends his money without interest,
does not accept bribes against the innocent.
Whoever does these things will never be shaken.
GospelLc 19, 1-10
At that time,
Jesus entered the city of Jericho and was passing through it.
There was a man there named Zacchaeus;
he was the chief tax collector
and a wealthy man.
He was trying to see who Jesus was,
but he could not because of the crowd,
because he was short in stature.
So he ran ahead
and climbed up a sycamore tree
to see Jesus, who was going to pass that way.
When Jesus reached the spot,
he looked up and said to him:
"Zacchaeus, come down quickly;
today I must stay at your house."
He quickly came down
and welcomed Jesus with joy.
When they saw this, they all grumbled:
"He has gone to lodge with a man who is a sinner."
Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord:
"Look, Lord:
I give half my possessions to the poor,
and if I have cheated anyone of anything,
I will pay back four times as much."
Then Jesus said about him:
"Today, salvation has come to this house,
because he too is a son of Abraham.
Indeed, the Son of Man has come to seek out and save
what was lost."
– Let us acclaim the Word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org