Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:1–2

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

St. Elizabeth Speaks: Heaven in Faith, nos. 9–10

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our home in him” [Jn 14:23]. The Master once more expresses His desire to dwell in us. “If anyone loves Me”! It is love that attracts, that draws God to His creatures: not a sensible love but that love “strong as death that deep waters cannot quench” [Song 8:6–7]. “The property of love is never to seek self, to keep back nothing, but to give everything to the one it loves” [St. John of the Cross, Spiritual Canticle, 32:2]. “Blessed the soul that loves” in truth; “the Lord has become its captive through love”! [Spiritual Canticle, 32:1].

Reflection: Blessed the Soul That Loves

Christ invites us to love as He loves—freely, without holding back. St. Elizabeth reminds us that true love keeps nothing back. It’s a love that welcomes God to dwell in our hearts fully, as His “beloved children.” Today, consider: How can I offer myself more completely to God? Is there something I’m still holding back? This love “strong as death” calls us to surrender all to Him, trusting that He, too, will give Himself completely in return.

Novena Prayer

O Saint Elizabeth,
in your great love for God,
you were always so close
to the needs of your friends.
Now that you are in Heaven,
before the Face of the Lord,
intercede with Him
for the intentions we entrust to you.

(Mention your intentions)

Teach us,
in faith and love,
to live with the Holy Trinity
in the depths of our hearts.
Teach us, like you,
to radiate God’s love
among all people,
in our daily lives,
so that we may become a praise of His Glory.

Our Father…
(pray slowly to God dwelling within you)

Glory be…
(three times, in praise of the indwelling Trinity)

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, pray for us!

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.

All scripture references in this novena are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America as accessed from the Bible Gateway website.

Don’t become discouraged and give up prayer, says St. John of the Cross. We offer varying novenas to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, as well as novenas to St. Joseph, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, and St. Edith Stein.

Let us unite in prayer

https://carmelitequotes.blog/2024/10/31/liznovena24-3/

#HeavenInFaith #HolyTrinity #novena #prayer #presenceOfGod #StElizabethOfTheTrinity #unionWithGod