Dear Friend,

Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

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

“Thank you!”   I took a few steps, and was stunned: “Wait, did I actually say that out loud?!”

In more than half a century, I had never done that.  As I continued to walk, I said in my heart:  “‘Amen,’ ‘Amen,’ I meant ‘Amen!’”

Yes, I had, indeed, responded, “thank you,” when the priest said: “Body of Christ.”  I had reversed my usual response: “Amen” aloud, and “thank you” in silence.

I’m blaming this, as I make most of my missteps these days, on Covid. Not that I had Covid—but after not receiving the Eucharist for so long after the quarantine, I felt a deeper sense of gratitude.

The priest who offered me the Sacred Host did not say: “You’re welcome.”  I’m grateful for that, too.  I was speaking to Jesus, and I like to think that he smiled at my mistake.  The priest, however, recently gave a beautiful homily and gently explained that the proper response to receiving the Body of Christ is not “Thank you,” but “Amen.”  I almost raised my hand and said, “I confess!” But I decided that this response should be in silence, too.

The fact is: I don’t want to make that mistake again.  I want to look at the Sacred Host and say: “Amen” with my whole heart. May my “Amen” always be a grateful one: “I believe!”  I believe in the profound gift of Christ’s Body and Blood in the Eucharist. “Amen:” I believe in what the Catholic Church teaches.  I believe that although I make some mistakes, some worse than others, that God never stops inviting me to draw closer.” I believe with St. Edith Stein:

“For every Catholic there lies ready an immeasurable treasure: the proximity of the Lord in the holy sacrifice and in the most holy sacrament of the altar. Whoever is imbued with a lively faith in Christ present in the tabernacle, whoever knows that a friend waits here constantly–always with the time, patience, and sympathy to listen to complaints, petitions, and problems, with counsel and help in all things–this person cannot remain desolate and forsaken even under the greatest difficulties. He always has a refuge where quietude and peace can again be found.”

“Amen!”

Prayer:

Dear Lord, We thank you for the great gift of the Eucharist, and for the gift of our faith.  Thank you for the grace to say: “Amen!”

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).