5th Thursday of Lent

A Life of Offering

“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” — Romans 12:1

Looking back over Karl’s life, we see a gradual transformation. What began as a public vocation ended as a hidden oblation. His marriage, his reign, his exile, and his illness were all placed into God’s hands. We often wait for a single decisive act to give ourselves completely. Yet our offering is made in the repetition of ordinary fidelity — in work, in family life, in prayer, in suffering accepted with love. His entire life became Eucharistic. The same grace is given to us whenever we place each day on the altar.

Blessed Karl, help us to offer our whole life to God. Amen.