Dear Friend,  

Monday, March 12, 2024

Reflection by Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D.

In his book, Miracles, CS Lewis writes: “It is always shocking to meet life where we thought we were alone. ‘Look out!’ we cry, ‘it’s alive.’ …. An ‘impersonal God’—well and good. A subjective God of beauty, truth, and goodness, inside our own heads—better still. A formless life-force surging through us, a vast power which we can tap—best of all. But God Himself, alive, pulling at the other end of the cord, perhaps approaching at an infinite speed…. —that is quite another matter.”  

Might we be tempted to say something similar?   “God truly alive in my life?  God watching out for me?  A personal God?” I wonder: have we sincerely embraced the reality of the presence of God in our lives, his walk with us, his gaze upon us, his love for us?

Lewis continues: “There comes a moment when the children who have been playing at burglar’s hush suddenly: was that a real footstep in the hall? There comes a moment when people who have been dabbling in religion (‘Man’s search for God!’) suddenly draw back. Supposing we really found Him? We never meant it to come to that! Worse still, supposing He had found us?” (C.S. Lewis, A Year with C. S. Lewis: Daily Readings from His Classic Works)

Yes. Supposing…supposing we have found him during this Lent’s prayerful and purposeful search?  Supposing, with surprise we ask: “Did I just catch the look of Jesus Christ?  Did he ask to dwell within me?  Does he really want to be part of my life?” Supposing!

Would our lives change?  Would our lives radiate his presence?

I think of St. Titus Brandsma the Carmelite Priest who was arrested for defending the Catholic faith and speaking out against Nazism.  In 1932, he gave an address to the University of Nijmegen where had just been chosen Rector Magnificus. He emphasized: “We must see God first of all in the innermost part of our being…and this must reveal itself in our words and deeds, radiate our entire being and conduct.”

Ten years later, arrested and alone in a cell, he prayed: “Dear Lord, when looking up to Thee, I see thy Loving eyes on me; Love overflows my humble heart, Knowing what faithful friend Thou art.” (Titus Brandsma:  A Modern Martyr, by Joseph Rees)

His speech and his prayer reflected a powerful motif:  seeing Jesus and being transformed by his love. He desired to keep his eyes fixed on Jesus, to contemplate him even in the darkness of Nazi prisons, and to radiate God’s presence. Is this why he could pray for the guards who beat him?  Give Rosary beads to the person who would ultimately give him a fatal injection?  Is this why he was able to love in a place of evil?

Dear Lord, We believe that you have found us seeking you. Give us the grace to be transformed by that realization. Fix our gaze on you and let our intimacy with you be reflected in our every step. Thank you for your love; help us to love with your love.  Amen.

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Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D., Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Administration and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology, earned a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, an M.A. in Catholic Theology and Pastoral Ministry from The Institute of Advanced Studies of Catholic Doctrine, St. John's University, and an S.T.L. and an S.T.D. from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (The Angelicum), Rome. Dr. Traflet is a key leader in the Center for Diaconal Formation, and she gives numerous lectures, retreats, and days of recollection, including some specific to wives of deacons and deacon candidates. She is the author of Edith Stein: A Spiritual Portrait (Pauline Media, 2008).