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! poor me! Which mother is more unhappy than I am?!»Mary lets go the hand of the girl to take the woman in Her arms saying to her kindly: «Do not sin with your thought and your tongue. It is not unhappiness, but great glory to give a child to God. [...]
You do not have a son, but an angel who will precede the Saviour in His triumph. And you say that you are 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:"Eliza, Annaleah’s mother, is weeping disconsolately in her house [...]«Raise your head, Eliza, and see Who is standing in front of you! [...]
Touch My Hand. Kiss it. You sacrificed your daughter to Me. You deserve it. And on this hand find again the spiritual kiss of your child. She is in Heaven. She is blessed. You will speak to the disciples about that and about this day. [...] »
«Oh! You have really risen!!! Happy! Happy I am! May You be blessed for comforting 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 Historical reference: the great prophet Elisha.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?
GRM 85 GRM 632