Jesus is Waiting to Kiss Me: Consecration Retreat Day 15

Welcome to our 33 day Marian Consecration Retreat as we prayerfully anticipate the commencement of the Year of Mercy. Join us as we share the book 33 Days to Morning Glory: A Do-It-Yourself Retreat In Preparation for Marian Consecration by Fr. Michael E. Gaitley, MIC.

Today's Reflection:

It’s hard to talk about suffering. It’s not something mommies usually chat about at the playground, swigging our coffee and brushing off our yoga pants while our kids play. It’s one thing to swap stories about our kids’ annoying behaviors, or commiserate about cleaning up after them. It’s another thing entirely to open up about death, or divorce, or money problems, or mental illness.

Suffering can become isolating. I know I worry about burdening people. I don’t want to risk appearing weak by asking for help. I don’t want anyone’s pity. It’s a place I don’t want to linger. When I’m struggling, it’s hard sometimes even to take it to prayer, because then I have to acknowledge whatever is hurting. I have to name my pain, and ask for help, or for forgiveness, or both.

In today’s reading, Mother Teresa tells us, “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.” Her own darkness brought her to the foot of Christ’s cross, and it was there that He embraced her. Slowly, I’m beginning to understand that my own suffering isn’t something I need to brush past. To be close enough to Christ for his kiss, for his embrace, means I have to be OK with the darkness, to not be so afraid of it. Jesus is waiting to kiss me, and remind me I’m not alone.

To Ponder:

What do I need to embrace today that is difficult, and how can I allow it to bring me closer to Christ’s cross?

Let Us Pray:

Come, Holy Spirit, living in Mary. May I be more willing to accept any suffering as a gift that brings me closer to Christ’s embrace.

Copyright 2015 Dawn Wright