Dear Friend,  

Sunday, March 17, 2024

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

Dying in agony, likely gasping for breath, the tortured man came to the defense of Jesus Christ and made a leap of faith. “Jesus,” he said, “remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  The Good Thief was rewarded with the consoling words of Jesus: “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk. 23: 42-43)

I’m pondering this Lent that Dismas was crucified alongside Jesus (Lk. 23:32-33) but not facing Jesus. He could not see Jesus’ face during this conversation, but he was assured a face-to-face encounter in heaven. Did Dismas ever see Jesus before the crucifixion? Was he crucified at the same time as Jesus or before or even afterwards? Could he have beheld Jesus’ face as the soldiers were pounding nails into the hands and feet of the Son of God?

Crucified near Jesus, Dismas perhaps was able to hear every word uttered by Jesus, including, the loving words to his mother: “Woman, behold your son,” and to his beloved disciple, “behold your mother.” (Jn. 19:26-27)

Might Dismas, dying on the cross, have beheld Mary? Might he have witnessed her agony in seeing her beloved Son die on the cross? Might Dismas have beheld her love for Jesus—love written on her maternal face? Might he also have beheld her love for him? Yes, Mary, his mother, too? Might he have even seen an affirming nod in his direction as he asked Jesus to remember him in heaven?

Perhaps we might ponder this Lent how Mary wants to introduce us to Jesus and to rejoice with us as we make our way to Jesus? How might we follow her example? Might our countenance, our love for our Lord, help others make a profession of faith?

Let us pray a Hail Mary, slowly, in appreciation of our Mother, Mary:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women. And, blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. 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).