If we do not feel tenderness, light, love within ourselves, it means that there is suffering, and that is the most beautiful thing we can bring to Jesus. And who knows, perhaps He is asking you precisely to give up that tenderness for the sake of the poor souls who need it, so they do not fall into some terrible temptation or so they can approach God's light! If we do not feel happiness, we must rejoice in the suffering we experience. And that will be your Christmas gift. And God will accept it, to perhaps illuminate some soul living in the Far East or near the North Pole. The radiance of love is such a mysterious thing!
(Cardinal Charles Journet /1891–1975/, correspondence)
