Eliza of Jerusalem
Judean from the Ophel, the popular neighborhood of Jerusalem. She is in her sixties. Her only daughter, Annaleah, consumption-ridden, is condemned in the short term. She is only fifteen. John, upon learning this, intercedes with Jesus who will heal her.[1]
Miraculously healed, her daughter renounces marrying her fiancé Samuel. Élise suffers and poorly accepts a second piece of news: Annaleah's wish to become the first consecrated virgin following Jesus.[2]
When Annaleah confirms her choice to her, her mother says:"Oh! wretched am I! What mother is more unhappy than I?!"
Mary lets go of the young girl’s hand to embrace the woman and gently say to her: "Do not sin by your thoughts and your words. It is not a misfortune to give God a son, but it is a great glory. (...) (It is) an angel you have, an angel who will precede the Savior in His triumph. And you want to call yourself unhappy? (...)"[3]
But a more painful trial awaits Élise: Annaleah knows that Jesus will die a terrible death. Foreseeing that she will not be able to bear the martyrdom of the Messiah, she asked Him for a Grace: to die before Him.[4] Following her desire, she sees Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday[5] and dies immediately afterward.[6] This is only a few days before His terrible Passion.
The Resurrected Jesus will come to console the tested mother by assuring her of her daughter's happiness in Heaven:"Annaleah's mother weeps in despair in her house (...)"Lift your head, Elise, and look who is before you!" (...)
Touch my hand, kiss it. You sacrificed your daughter to me, you deserve it. And find, on this hand, the spiritual Kiss of your child. She is in Heaven, and she is blessed. You will tell this to the Disciples, and about this day." (...)
"Oh! You are truly risen!!! I am happy! Happy! Blessed be you for having comforted me!"[7]
Her name
Élise, like Elisha (Èlisha), means "God is Salvation". Historical reference: the great prophet Elisha.
Where is she mentioned in the work?
EMV 85 EMV 632