Reflection by Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D.
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St. Peter’s Church, Belleville, NJ, has magnificent stained-glass windows, with colors that captivate, and scenes that speak to the heart. A window on the right side of the Church depicts a terrified Peter sinking in the water, and Jesus coming to his rescue. We’ve read the Biblical account countless times:
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But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. (Mt. 14:30-32)
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I’ve often pondered this scene—thinking of Jesus standing tall reaching out his hand and grasping Peter’s hand. But the stained-glass window presents us with another scenario. Jesus leans in; he appears to be slightly stooped, as if his knees are bent. Jesus does not take Peter by the hand (as I’ve always imagined), but he puts his sacred hand on the side of Peter’s arm near his shoulder. It looks like Jesus is going to grasp Peter from under his arm, and then lift him up. Much more effective than a mere pull of the hand!
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The stained-glass window also offers us a glimpse into the locked gazes of Jesus and Peter. As Jesus helps Peter, he fixes his gaze on his disciple, and with his left hand, he points to heaven.
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As I continue my Lenten journey, I think of Jesus reminding us: “I know how to get you out of this fix you’re in. Look at me! Reach out! I’ll stoop down to the chaos of your life and lift you out of it! Trust me! I’ll help you. Let’s get into the boat together—I’ll take care of the wind and the storms!”
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Lord, we ask not to walk on water or to have an extraordinary vision of you. We beg you, though, to stoop down to us, and let us in a contemplative way look into your eyes. When we feel the weight of our burdens, as if we cannot walk even on solid ground, please steady us, calm our fears, and lift us up. We trust in your loving strength. Teach us to focus only on you and our heavenly home. 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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