Day 13 – The Last Retreat by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity- Beginning to Pray with Dr. Anthony Lilles
Dr. Anthony Lilles and Kris McGregor reflect on Day 13 of St. Elizabeth of the Trinity’s “The Last Retreat.” Elizabeth draws from St. Paul’s vision of restoring all things in Christ, adopting it as a personal rule of life. St. Elizabeth, even in her physical suffering and in the face of external turmoil, turns inward to a deeper union with God. Rather than being consumed by hardship, she looks to Christ as the foundation of her identity and purpose. Her insight reveals that living “rooted in Christ” means detaching from self-centered desires and surrendering to the love and presence of God. This inner life, grounded in thanksgiving and faith, allows her to find meaning, direction, and even joy amidst pain.
Dr. Lilles elaborates on the practical implications of St. Elizabeth’s teaching, and how we must let go of ego and control, echoing the humility of Jesus who emptied himself in obedience to the Father. This can apply to family life and religious vocations. Authentic renewal only happens when one stops clinging to personal ambition and becomes open to God’s transforming work. Trust, especially in trials, becomes the gateway to a deeper life in God.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

* How can I make St. Paul’s call to “walk in Christ” a practical guide for my daily life?
* In what areas am I still clinging to self-reliance instead of surrendering to God’s will?
* What does it mean for me personally to be “rooted” in Jesus Christ?
* How have I experienced God’s presence in moments of suffering or trial?
* Am I allowing distractions or anxieties to keep me from being recollected in prayer?
* What part of my ego or ambition is preventing deeper trust in God’s plan?
* How can I foster a spirit of thanksgiving even in difficult circumstances?
* Do I believe that God is building me up through the challenges I face?
* How might letting go of control open my heart to the dreams of Christ for my family or vocation?
* In what ways can I practice contemplative prayer to remain under the loving gaze of Christ?



From “Last Retreat Day 13” found in The Complete Works vol 1:
32. “Instaurare omnia in Christo.” 194 Again it is St. Paul who instructs me, St. Paul who has just immersed himself in the great counsel of God195 and who tells me “that He has resolved in Himself to restore all things in Christ.” So that I may personally realize this divine plan, it is again St. Paul who comes to my aid and who will himself draw up a rule of life for me. “Walk in Jesus Christ,” he tells me, “be rooted in Him, built up in Him, strengthened in faith, growing more and more in Him through thanksgiving.” 196
33. To walk in Jesus Christ seems to me to mean to leave self, lose sight of self, give up self, in order to enter more deeply into Him with every passing moment, 197 so deeply that one is rooted there; and to every event, to every circumstance we can fling this beautiful challenge: “Who will separate me from the love of Jesus Christ?” 198 When the soul is established in Him at such depths that its roots are also deeply thrust in, then the divine sap streams into it199 and all this imperfect, commonplace, natural life is destroyed. Then, in the language of the Apostle, “that which is mortal is swallowed up by life.” 200 The soul thus “stripped” of self and “clothed” 201 in Jesus Christ has nothing more to fear from exterior encounters or from interior difficulties, for these things, far from being an obstacle, serve only “to root it more deeply in the love” 202 of its Master. Through everything, despite everything,