(Letter of Mother Teresa to a sister who was sick.)

My dearest Child,

Thanks for the lovely consoling letter of the 14th. Keep looking at the Sacred Heart.--Why worry if it be TB or not?--You are His and it is His gift to you, His spouse. Was it not Mother who taught you to say for the profession "I desire to become the Spouse of Jesus Crucified?"--It is not Jesus glorified or in the crib, but on the Cross--alone--naked--bleeding--suffering--dying on the Cross. So if you are the first one in the Society whom He chooses to be alone on the bed of the Cross, why my child, we must thank God for all--for this His special love for you, for me and the Society. You are but a child still, and life is beautiful--but the way He has chosen for you is the true way.--So smile--smile at the Hand that strikes you--kiss the Hand that is nailing you to the Cross.--I don't believe just as you that you have TB--but let them do all that they want with you.--Be like a little lamb--smile at everyone. Don't worry, I shall beg the money and will come to see you as soon as I hear more definite news from Sister.

"Let them look up and see only Jesus." I have promised our Lady 25,000 Memorares for your cure and we shall say it within these 9 days. Please thank M. Rose for her kindness to you. I am very happy with whatever God does with you all--you are all His.

Love Jesus and keep a smiling heart for Him.--All these disturbing thoughts come from the devil--ignore them all. God bless you my child.

Mother

(Blessed Mother Teresa, Come Be My Light, pp 156-157)