Do we see Jesus?

   Of course, there are many ways for us to see Jesus.  We can see Jesus in others, much like St. Mother Teresa.  We can see Jesus in the sacraments, most notably in His real presence in the Eucharist.  We can even see Jesus in our lives when good things happen, but we should also be able to see Jesus when bad things happen.

   “Wait, why should we be able to see Jesus when bad things happen?  He does not want bad things for me, does He?”  Indeed, Jesus does not want bad things to happen to us.  But, bad things happened to Jesus?  When bad things happen to us, we should see Jesus’ suffering.  Not that we are trying to minimalize our suffering, but we put it in better perspective and realize that Jesus can sympathize with us.  He knows suffering and knows it intimately.

   But the suffering is not the end.  Jesus’ suffering brought about the ability for us to enter Heaven.  Our suffering, like Jesus’ suffering, is only temporary.  While that does not take away our suffering, it does provide us with hope for when our suffering and all suffering will end.  Indeed, then we will see Jesus, face to face.

   Mary, you saw your Son suffering on the Cross and your Immaculate Heart was pierced with the sword of sorrow.  Please help us to see Jesus when we are suffering and join our suffering with His as you did at the foot of the cross.