Quote of the day, 19 August: St. Elizabeth of the Trinity

“Faith,” St. Paul says, “is the substance of things to be hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” [Heb 11:1].

What does it matter to the soul that is absorbed in recollection of the light which these words create in it, whether it feels or does not feel, whether it is in darkness or light, whether it enjoys or does not enjoy. It feels a kind of embarrassment in making any distinction between these things; and when it still feels affected by them, it holds itself in deep contempt for its lack of love and quickly looks to its Master that He might set it free. In the expression of a great mystic it “exalts” Him “on the highest summit of the mountain of its heart, above the sweetness and consolations that descend from Him for it has resolved to go beyond everything to be united with Him whom it loves” [Ruysbroeck]. It seems to me that to this soul, unshakable in its faith in the God of Love, may be addressed these words of the Prince of Apostles, “Because you believe you will be filled with an unshakable and glorified joy” [1 Pt 1:8].

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity

Last Retreat, Day Four
Sunday, 19 August 1906

Elizabeth of the Trinity, S 2014, I Have Found God, The Complete Works of Elizabeth of the Trinity Volume 1: Major spiritual writings, translated from the French by Kane, A, ICS Publications, Washington DC.