Snow covers the garden that surrounds the stone walls of Carmel. Within the walls, beyond the iron grille that separates the sisters from the outside world, Elizabeth is in agony. Her stomach twists with searing pain, and she is unable to eat or drink. Weakened by her disease, in deep spiritual and physical torment, Elizabeth places a pen to a thin sheet of paper and begins to write.
These writings would include prayers of adoration for her beloved Spouse, and retreats to encourage all those she loved to seek Him. Amid her profound suffering, Elizabeth abided in love, and united all her anguish with Christ Crucified. Her heart was inflamed with love. And while only a few drops of water could touch her tongue, she was joyfully serene, fed by the immeasurable nourishment of Jesus— fully receptive to His holy will and immersed in the love that He lavished upon her. Her ear was listening to His voice. Her mouth proclaimed His goodness. Her heart united to His, her life became a living prayer.
Everything was for Jesus.
Elizabeth had a mystical experience of divine love. This was evident long before her entrance into Carmel, long before her final breaths led her closer to the One she called, “All Love.”
There is a story of Elizabeth as a young girl at a dance party. It was said that her face radiated the love of God so immensely that the young men present remarked to one another, “She is not for us; look at her expression. Elizabeth sees God.” May our prayers echo Elizabeth’s when she wrote, “May my life be a continual prayer, a long act of love. May nothing distract me from You, neither noise nor diversions . . . I submit with all my heart for love of You.”
Amid her profound suffering, Elizabeth abided in love, and united all her anguish with Christ Crucified. #BISblog #prayerpledge // -->> CLICK TO TWEET
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Let Us Pray
Jesus, everything I have is Yours.
For Discussion
How can you find peace in uniting your sufferings with His?
What “noise” is distracting you from deeper intimacy with Jesus?
Leana Bowler is a wife and mother of eight little ones. She is a Holy Rosary enthusiast with deep devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Her love for the message of Divine Mercy led her to become a Marian Missionary of Divine Mercy. She enjoys the miracles of family life, strong coffee, and encountering others on this journey to sainthood. She was a contributing author to And Hay Became Holy and Made New: 52 Devotions for Catholic Women.
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