When I first read the life and retreat notes of Sr. Elizabeth of the Trinity, I was “blown away” by their power and grace. I was fifteen years old and I wanted that deep-down friendship with God. I longed to know God and what that might mean.
Now, years later, as Elizabeth is canonized, I know God does dwell within us; but I also know God can be found in every nook of creation, in every life with its anguish and joy, and that the Spirit of God impels and pushes us toward communion with one another and all creation.
This makes me wonder and ponder about the violence present on our earth: how can we re-build love and trust? How, in the face of continuing war in the Middle East can peoples and nations come together for the common good? My heart breaks with compassion and a longing for peace and reconciliation.
After years of contemplative life and prayer, I still need to pursue the inner work of love, which brings hope. This hope our new Saint Elizabeth professed even in her darkest times. She remained faithful to her God, her friend, the one she knew held her in love.
