It was embracing both the cross and our Savior on it. In this mystical vision where Bernard is embraced by Christ, it may seem at first that our Lord is relieved for a moment from the pain of His constant wounds and is comforted somehow by the saints embrace. But just the opposite is true. It is Bernard now who will be crucified, who will share in the pains of ultimate love. To love God and neighbor is to come to terms with the painful realization that I just might be lovable.
Charity begins at home.
After all God love us enough to create us. What is more, He loved us even enough to forgive us.