January 4 2018 - St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - "Behold the Lamb of God"

We hear John the Baptist calling out in the Gospel today “Behold the Lamb of God”. This is certainly a call that echoes throughout the Christmas season. Shepherds and Wise men travel to the manger to behold him; Simeon in the Temple expressed that he might die in peace now that he has gazed upon the Messiah.

Elizabeth Seton was born, not a Catholic, but was the daughter of a very wealthy Episcopalian family from Manhattan, New York.  She married a wealthy businessman at the age of 19, and raised 5 children in wealthy New
York social circles. Stress over bankruptcy and his ongoing tuberculosis led to her husband’s early death.

Widowed and destitute, Elizabeth was taken in by an Italian family. Their deep faith and charity impressed her, and despite stern opposition from her Episcopalian acquaintances, Elizabeth was received into the Church.

Here’s a woman who became Catholic and ultimately a saint because she was treated with great kindness by Catholics at a moment of great tragedy—by ordinary Catholics who were simply living their faith with deep devotion to the Eucharist.

The Opening Collect prayer referred to Saint Elizabeth’s “burning zeal to find God”. She found him, she was able to behold him, because she was shown him by ordinary Catholics. So we must never underestimate the power of our simple witness, caring for people when they fall on down times, sharing our faith with them. The dynamic of Christianity is that others show Jesus to us, that we may show him to others.

If St. Elizabeth can come to Behold the Lamb of God in the hardships of her life—widowhood, a destitute single-mother—we can surely come to Behold Christ too, in the chaos of our own lives. St. Elizabeth said with confidence: “Into whatsoever state of blindness or obscurity I may fall, in whatever ignorance of God’s ways I may chance to be, if I seek out God in the simplicity of my heart, I will surely find Him.”

St. Elizabeth found the face of the Savior, and continued to find God anew by devoting her life to a life of charity, particularly the education of immigrants.

“Behold the Lamb of God” is an invitation to look to Jesus amidst the chaos, amidst the hardship, amidst the temptation and sins of our life, and to find in Him our salvation, our freedom, and our peace, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.

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That all Christians may grow in charitable attentiveness to the needs of the poor in our midst.
That all those searching and longing for Christ may find him through the witness of His Holy Church.
Through the intercession of Mother Seaton, that all teachers, may share their knowledge with gentleness, patience, and concern for their students. 
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord