“Take your Crucifix and kiss it.”
The novice kissed the feet.
“Is that how a child embraces her Father? Put your arms round His Neck immediately and kiss His Face.”
She obeyed.
“That is not all, He must return your caresses.”
And she had to hold the Crucifix to each cheek; then Thérèse said:
“That is well, now all is forgiven!”
COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES
Having caused her pain, a novice went to ask pardon of Sœur Thérèse, who replied with emotion: “If you only knew what I feel! Never have I so well understood with what love Jesus receives us, when, after a fault we beg Him to forgive us. If I, His poor little creature, feel such tenderness for you the moment you return to me, what must pass in the Heart of the good God when we return to Him?... Yes, surely, more swiftly yet than I have just done, will He forget all our iniquities, never again to remember them.... He will do even more—He will love us still better than before our fault!...”
COUNSELS AND REMINISCENCES