Dear Friend,  

Thursday, February 22, 2024

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

“In turning to the Divine Master, in being converted to Him, in experiencing His mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we will discover a “gaze” that searches us profoundly and gives new life to the crowds and to each one of us.”  Message of His Holiness, Benedict XVI, For Lent 2006

Many years ago, I was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral during Holy Week, standing in an exceptionally long line for Confession. Eventually, a Cathedral attendant encouraged us to move to a much shorter line on the other side of the church. Some of us moved, only to realize that though we were in a shorter line, the wait was longer. The priest was not rushing any penitent along but spending considerable time with each person. On my line of strangers, one person shared, “I haven’t been to Confession in a few years.” Another person whispered a response, “I haven’t been in more than 20 years, and the longer I wait, the less I remember my sins!”  Then, he said, with half a smile, “Can’t I just cut to the chase, and say: ‘For all the sins of my past life, I am very sorry.’” 

I had never experienced laughter in a Confession line, but we strangers did softly laugh, and then we pledged to pray for each person heading into the confessional. I’ll never forget when the individual stepped towards the confessional, and then took a deep breath, paused, turned around, and looked at us; we were no longer strangers. We all smiled and gave him a thumbs up. He smiled a nervous, but grateful, smile, and into the confessional he went. When he left the confessional, he was standing tall, smiling broadly, and giving us the thumbs up. I am confident he had just met the merciful face of Christ.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. May we continue to discover during our Lenten journey your “̒gaze’ that searches us profoundly and gives new life to the crowds and to each one of us.”  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).