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
