Awake in Hope - a reflection

A long-distance ride, with its unchanging scenery, tends to lull us to sleep—much like life’s unending demands and persistent trials, which can dull us into discouragement, mediocrity, and even the loss of faith.

Élisabeth Leseur, married to an atheist and enduring chronic illness, experienced this firsthand. At one point, she succumbed to her husband’s attempts to destroy her faith. However, she later returned with renewed determination to deepen her relationship with God.

Through regular spiritual reading, she sought the counsel of saints like St. Francis de Sales and St. Teresa of Avila, keeping herself awake to the abundant opportunities within her reach by offering her relentless anguish and physical pain for her husband’s conversion, rather than arguing.

The unimaginable happened after her death—her husband reverted and became a priest. He discovered her diary, which revealed her sacrifices and spiritual transformation. Élisabeth’s testimony encourages those bearing the weight of their trials and the monotony of life, to stay steadfast and awake in hope.

Élisabeth Leseur, Servant of God,  pray for us!