November 17, 2017
St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Thankful for the Gift of Life
Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.
Luke 17:33
Thanksgiving is coming in a few days. It's a time of gratitude, which we often celebrate by gathering with those we know best within familiar walls. It's what I'm inclined to do. But is there another way? Last Thanksgiving, a local restaurant offered a free meal. If you could pay, fine, and any money would go to a shelter. If you were unable to pay, that didn't matter. The doors were open, the table was set, and you were welcome to the feast. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, noble-born, might easily have focused her days on preserving her way of life behind protective walls and closed doors. But she heard the call of Christ, especially as mediated through St. Francis. And she responded. She was willing to lose her life for Christ and for his poor. My life is a gift. I'm grateful. How do I live that out? By holding on tighter--or by letting go?
Creator God, thank you for my life. Today I will live in generous gratitude.

- Amy Welborn

Wisdom 13:1-9|Psalm 19:2-5|Luke 17:26-37

Comments

November 17, 2017 at 12:55 PM

To respond positively to God's gift of life under any circumstance or condition in my humbled opinion, is the true fruit of faith, the form given to our Christian hope in the eternal will of God and its fulfillment.
Peace be with you all!

November 17, 2017 at 12:09 PM

St Elizabeth's story is very inspiring.
God Bless St. Elizabeth .
Thank You GOD ! for my life.
Great reflection Amy. God bless you !

November 17, 2017 at 09:37 AM

In our fractured culture with families all going in different directions and staring at personal black screens I have become convinced that on the few holidays we have left we need to focus on those that God has put right in front of us. Our families. Theyre in trouble.

November 17, 2017 at 09:12 AM

Amen. :)

November 17, 2017 at 08:26 AM

Yes, I will be holding on tighter AND letting go my life.....holding on tighter to my Lord Jesus to have the life He wanted me to have and letting go of my desires to have the life I wanted, period! I look to the Lord for the details how it is done daily and sometimes minute by minute :-) It is a great adventure, roller coaster at times and peaceful scenery at other times!

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us about what is like to be in the Last Days. But to me, it is almost like everyday event in the news:

* Noah - they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage....the flood came and destroyed them all.
* Lot in Sodom - they were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building....fire and brimstone rained from the sky to destroy them all.
* Son of Man - So it will be on the day the Son of Man is revealed....Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.

Has Jesus revealed Himself to you? Jesus is coming back :-) Are you ready? Do you know what to do?

Hear this in Luke 21:25-28, “
* There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves.
* People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
* And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
* But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”

It reads frightening, but it is not! For the Lord is with us until the end of days and it will be glorious :-)

I am thankful for life, Lord Jesus, life eternal that is! The heavens declare Your glory, and the firmament proclaims Your handiwork. Day pours out the Word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. Your Good News is heard to the ends of the world! I can't wait to see You face to face :-) Amen!

November 17, 2017 at 07:44 AM

Amen.

November 17, 2017 at 06:32 AM

A famous celebrity in our state opened a restaurant with the same concept. He could have stayed behind his walls but decided to reach out to others in need. Being self centered keeps us behind our walls. Taking that step to walk from behind our walls takes courage and the strength of God.

November 17, 2017 at 06:22 AM

If you are reaching out to others who are in need spiritually, emotionally, or physically rather than just staying in your own little world you are letting go.

November 17, 2017 at 05:35 AM

How do you know whether you are holding on tighter or letting go?

Linda
November 17, 2017 at 06:51 AM

Sarah,
My friend always says, "Let God and let go." When we completely trust God , we let Him take charge of our troubles. We do not try to control things that are clearly out of our control. God takes over and leads us in the right direction. It is like the footprints in the sand. There are two sets of prints, ours and God's. When things are manageable He walks beside us. But when things get too tough for us, He carries us!

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