Abbey-Roads2

Sabeth

I’m reading Blessed Elizabeth as well.  One of the troubles I have reading sainted Carmelite nun’s writings is that they are sometimes so ‘romantic.’  (Some people say ‘flowery.’  They are ‘girls’ though, so what do I expect?  By the time I get to Teresa of the Andes, I’ve had it however.)

Anyway, I like Elizabeth in her essential writings.  Sometimes quotes from her are just enough.  Here are some:

After confession one day:

“I see myself as though all reddened with the Blood of our Lord.”  (I had the same thought the other day at 3PM when praying the Divine Mercy prayers, I imagined myself covered in the Blood of Jesus, and it was warm.)

In a reference to her being conscientious in her duties, it is recorded she said this:

“You see how that Sister has worn out her habit in a short time?  She does not take care of it: that is not good; would you please tell our Mother this so that she will be told to take better care of it?”  (That statement is one reason I’m unfit for religious life, I would have told her, “Why don’t you mind your own business?”  There is nothing edifying in this comment at all.  When I was with a group of Franciscan friars in Italy, a French novice commented to me as I was going in for the night office, “It would be better if you tucked your shirt in.”  I replied, “It would be better if you minded your own business.”  See - I don’t do well in community.)

On suicide:

“I suffered so much last night that I was tempted to throw myself out the window; but I said to myself: that is not how a Carmelite ought to suffer.”

“My Mother, are you tranquil, leaving me alone like this?  I am suffering so much that I now understand suicide.  but do not worry; God is there, and He is watching over me.”

Like Therese, she also suffered spiritual darkness:

“Oh, my Mother, it is like believing that there is no God!”

Then again:

“If souls but knew how to wait for God.”  (Now that is the gem of the day.)