Dear Friend,

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

Walking with Christ

This Lent, we have been reading inspiring reflections from the community of Immaculate Conception Seminary, many from seminarians who recently journeyed to the Holy Land. We could sense their awe as they remembered walking in the same places as our Lord did.  These are memories that will be re-awakened each time they open the Gospels, and likely, years from now, as priests, when they begin to prayerfully prepare a homily.

But what about us—those of us who did not attend the Seminary Holy Land pilgrimage?  What are the takeaways for us, this Lent, this Holy Week?  Might there be a particular scene that we can imagine in our mind’s eye more clearly thanks to the meditations?  We may not have journeyed to the places where Jesus walked; but have we walked with Jesus this Lent?  Have we felt His loving presence?  Have our steps been in sync with our Redeemer’s?

Last summer, an elderly Maryknoll priest encouraged me to take a slow walk, and try to use my five senses to be mindful of God.  The priest gave me hints for how I might begin:  What am I seeing? Might I be inclined to thank God for His beautiful creation? What am I hearing?  Am I grateful to God that I can hear the birds chirping?  As the priest concluded his description of this slow walk and each sense (see, smell, taste, touch, and hear), he paused and said: “Maybe it’s best that you wait until it cools off a bit; it’s too oppressively hot even for a 10-minute walk.”

I waited a couple of days, but the heat wave was not breaking.  I was determined to follow the priest’s suggestion, so off I went to Goffle Brook Park in Hawthorne. For as far as I could see, I was alone. No one was out for a stroll in this heat.   I had forgotten to bring sneakers, so I walked in rather flimsy sandals. I could hear my footsteps on the dry, dusty ground.   I looked around, trying to be aware of God’s handiwork, but I kept hearing the distracting sounds of my sandals hitting the ground with each step.

Suddenly, I stopped trying so hard, and just paused to listen to my footsteps. I realized: this is the sound that the disciples likely heard as they journeyed with Jesus.  I imagined that there were quiet times on their walk when they only heard their sandalled footsteps and that of Jesus.   I now imagined walking in silence with Jesus.  What did He want to say to me? What did He want me to hear? Touch?  Smell? “Taste and See” (Psalm 34:9)? I slowed down and prayerfully walked—so grateful for the advice of the elderly priest.

This Holy Week, Jesus wants to walk with us.  Do we likewise want to walk with Him?  Might we take a slow walk, and consider a scene in Jesus’ life?  Perhaps we could use our five senses?  Perhaps we could consider being a disciple at the Last Supper, in the Garden of Gethsemane, or at the Foot of the Cross.  Or…perhaps we could consider the five senses of Jesus as He carried His cross to Golgotha.

Prayer: 

Dear Lord, I’m grateful today for the gifts of my five senses and how you speak to me through them.  This week, I think of the assault on your own senses as you headed to your cruel death.   I consider the dirt you smelled each time you fell to the ground on the road to Calvary. I recall how your hands not only touched the Cross but were nailed to it. I think of how you thirsted in your final hours, and I ponder what you saw from the Cross, including the faces of those who sought your death—but also the face of your beloved Mother.   I prayerfully consider what you heard from the Cross, all the vicious jeers and mockery, but also the Good Thief pleading: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom” (Lk. 23:42). Today, Lord, I ask you to bless me with a heightened awareness of your presence and your great love. Lead me, please, help me to use my five senses to walk with you, my Redeemer. 

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).