When Cambridge native Mindy Kaling stopped by the “Today’’ show on Wednesday morning to promote “Champions,’’ the sitcom she is executive producing for NBC, she was moved to tears — for at least the second time — by a message of encouragement tweeted by her friend and former “The Office’’ costar, Newton native B.J. Novak.

“Today’’ host Hoda Kotb read a tweet that Novak sent on March 9, the day of the nationwide release of Kaling’s most recent film, “A Wrinkle in Time.’’

“When I met @mindykaling she lived in a small apartment on Fairfax Ave. This is what’s in front of that building today,’’ Novak wrote, tweeting a photo of a poster for the film that featured Kaling. “Congrats Mindy and a future congrats to all those who see you in it and are inspired to do great things.’’

At the time, Kaling responded to Novak on Twitter, writing that she was “like full crying.’’ On the “Today’’ show Wednesday, Kaling again began to cry when Kotb asked her about Novak’s message.

“That actually makes me want to tear up,’’ Kaling told Kotb. “That’s really moving. When I was coming up, there was no one who looked like me on TV or film, and that was such a nice thing that he remembered that.

“I’m legit crying,’’ Kaling continued, laughing, as a tear fell down her cheek. “Hoda, this happened so quickly! I was so moved by that. No, it’s true. If you dream big, you can get whatever you want.’’

“And I bet you’re going to teach your little girl that exact same thing,’’ Kotb said.

“Now you’re trying to make me cry even more!’’ Kaling responded.

Kaling also discussed how much she loves being a mom, and how her life has changed since she gave birth to her daughter, Katherine, in December.

“Sometimes I find myself — I don’t know if you do this — like, staring at your phone at a photo of her in a meeting,’’ Kaling said to Kotb. “I’m just like, looking lovingly at a photo, and everyone is like, ‘What are you doing?’ ’’

 (Kevin Slane, Boston.com)