Dear Friend,  

Thursday, March 21, 2024

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

Mary Magdalene’s Prayer

I’m here, Jesus.

I tremble as I hear the crowds.

Thunderous noise and terrifying chaos surround me.

I hear the lies, mockery, and contempt directed against you, my Lord.

I know such hatred all too well.

It wasn’t too long ago that I was tormented by the presence of evil.

How often did I cry: “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”  (Psalm 22:2)

I looked with terror into the eyes of others, and all I saw was hate.

Then, I saw you. And everything changed.

All I saw was love.

With compassion, you knew that demons plagued me,

And you freed me of them. (Lk. 8:2; Mk. 16:9)

Yes, you gave me my precious freedom.

In gratitude, I followed you.

I look at you now, in the presence of hatred, and all I see is love.

I keep my gaze fixed on you—and I am able to tune out the noise around me.

I draw closer to you, and I hear you utter the words of Psalm 22—and my heart breaks.
I then hear you cry out loudly, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” (Lk. 23:46; cf. Psalm 31:5))

Oh, Jesus, I watch you take your last breath.

I fall silent. Words are inadequate.

I put my arms around your mother.

United in heart-wrenching sorrow, we quietly gaze with love on your lifeless body.

Prayer:  Let us spend some time today in silence—as if we too are at Golgotha. What words from the cross might be particularly meaningful to us today? What image might Jesus desire us to ponder?

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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).