Reflection by Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D.
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So much of our Lenten journey is devoted to pausing from our fast-paced lives to ponder and pray. Today, I’d like to pause to ponder hurrying!
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Can anything good come from hurrying? I hope so because I tend to do a lot of it! And I seem to be pretty good at it, that is, if I don’t consider typos, tardiness, and the occasional stammer and stumble.
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I’m consoled by Gospel accounts of holy hurriers, such as Mary, moving with haste, to Elizabeth’s after the Annunciation, carrying Divine Life within her, and Joseph, waking up from a dream, and moving quickly in the night to protect the holy family (Lk. 1:39; Mt. 2:14). I’m inspired by the father of the prodigal son running unceremoniously to welcome his son back home, and Mary Magdalene running to tell the disciples of the empty tomb (Lk. 15:20; John 20:1-18).
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For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by Zacchaeus, another hurrier (Lk 19:1-10). He was the man in the sycamore tree who was trying to get a glimpse of Jesus. I imagine he was very content up that tree—far removed from the crowds who reviled him as a sinful tax-collector. A branch on a sycamore tree was not the most prestigious place for this rich man, but the perfect place for someone looking for a safe place and an obstructed view. From his perch, he could see not only the crowds but Jesus Himself.
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Jesus knew Zacchaeus needed more than a change of scenery but a change of heart. Zacchaeus’ desire for a glimpse of Jesus was rewarded by a gaze from Jesus Himself, and a Divine invitation. Jesus called to Zacchaeus: "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house” (Lk. 19:5).
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Zacchaeus did not hesitate; he didn’t ask Jesus to make an appointment— “Let me first clear my calendar, Jesus. How much time do you need?” He didn’t ask for time to clean the house or buy food. He simply hurried down that tree! We can imagine Jesus and Zacchaeus walking together to Zacchaeus’ house. I picture them in sync with one another’s steps. It was the “beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
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What can I learn this Lent from the way that Zacchaeus was called to hurry? First is just that: he was indeed called to do so from God himself. Is my hurrying a response to the call of Christ? Is he asking me to quickly get out of my tree—that is, my comfort zone, in order to walk with Him?
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There are indeed times that I need to hurry. But, I need to ask Jesus: is this what you want? Is this a fast dance, or a slow one? Do you want me to hurry or pause?
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Dear Lord, teach me to seek you amid my busyness; slow me down so that I not only can glimpse, but gaze, into your sacred face. Help me to understand and follow the pace that you direct; please allow my hurrying to be to your honor and glory. May I be a holy hurrier. 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).
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