Elisabeth Leseur: The Power of Suffering

Lord, make us realize that by simply suffering for Jesus’ sake and by bearing “in the body the death of Jesus” [2 Corinthians 4: 10], we can often do more for him and for others than we can by being active. It is very hard to understand this, so please make us realize that our very helplessness can be of great use to others, if we suffer it with and for Jesus. Our suffering works mysteriously, first in ourselves by a kind of renewal and also in others who are perhaps far away, without our ever knowing what we are accomplishing. Christ on the cross has perhaps done more for humanity than Christ speaking and acting in Galilee or Jerusalem. Suffering creates life. It transforms everything it touches. Help us to understand this through Christ, our Lord. 

- Elisabeth Leseur

St. Therese of Lisieux: God's Timing

I realize better than ever before how tender and merciful Our Lord is;  He has sent me this cross when I am capable of bearing it,  whereas before I should have given way to discouragement. 

– St. Therese of Lisieux

St. Therese of Lisieux Quotation: Dying of Love

Our Lord died on the Cross in agony, and yet this is the most beautiful death of love. To die of love is not to die in transports.

 

- St. Therese of Lisieux

 

 

St. Therese of Lisieux: Heavy Crosses and Being Afraid

Jesus offers you the cross, a very heavy cross, and you are afraid of not being able to carry it without giving way. Why? Our Beloved Himself fell three times on the way to Calvary, and why should we not imitate Him?

 

- St. Therese of Lisieux

 

 

Mother Teresa: The Kiss from the Cross

Suffering has to come because if you look at the cross, he has got his head bending down - he wants to kiss you - and he has both hands open wide - he wants to embrace you. He has his heart opened wide to receive you. Then when you feel miserable inside, look at the cross and you will know what is happening. Suffering, pain, sorrow, humiliation, feelings of loneliness, are nothing but the kiss of Jesus, a sign that you have come so close that he can kiss you. Do you understand, brothers, sisters, or whoever you may be? Suffering, pain, humiliation - this is the kiss of Jesus. At times you come so close to Jesus on the cross that he can kiss you. I once told this to a lady who was suffering very much. She answered, "Tell Jesus not to kiss me - to stop kissing me." That suffering has to come that came into the life of Our Lady, that came in the life of Jesus - it has to come in our life also. Only never put on a long face. Suffering is a gift from God. It is between you and Jesus alone inside.

- Mother Teresa of Calcutta