Dear Friend,  

Sunday, February 25, 2024

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

In St. Leo’s Church, Elmwood Park, there is a depiction of the Sixth Station of the Cross that caught my attention on Ash Wednesday-and I continue to ponder it. It shows Jesus holding Veronica’s veil to his face.

I’ve seen countless portrayals of the encounter between Jesus and Veronica on the road to Golgotha, often showing Jesus handing Veronica her veil with an imprint of his sacred face. But, in St. Leo’s Church, the portrayal is different; Jesus’ face is covered by Veronica’s veil. The Holy Face of Jesus is hidden for that holy moment.

I wonder how long Veronica had been following Jesus that Good Friday, hoping to catch a glimpse of him. Had she seen his torture? Had she been frustrated by the large crowds as she desperately tried to draw closer to him? Might Jesus, even in his agony, looked upon her with loving gratitude? Might she have caught the gaze of Jesus?

I imagine Veronica being so moved by the sight of Jesus that she was unafraid of the guards and any consequences of her actions. She just wanted to give a small gesture of mercy.

The portrayal at St. Leo’s encouraged me to imagine Veronica trying to cleanse Jesus’ face, as she gingerly and gently wiped away blood and sweat. Then, Jesus gratefully takes the veil from her and covers his face.

Being so close to the face of Christ, I can imagine Veronica feeling an overwhelming sense of pity, love, and sorrow. And I imagine the wait for him to reveal his face again may have felt like an eternity.

But her waiting is rewarded. Imagine her awe when she receives her veil and sees a touching gift--the imprint of Jesus’ face. 

In our search this Lent for the face of Christ, I wonder if we sometimes feel an overwhelming sense that Jesus is hidden. Might we find consolation that perhaps Jesus is about to give us a gift—the gift of his imprint on our souls? Indeed, in our moments of waiting and searching, might we remember that Christ wants to bestow his very life.

Lord, please draw me closer to you; give me the strength to follow you, and to show you my love. When I have a difficult time seeing your face, please, Lord, don’t let me be discouraged. May I have the faith that tells me of your presence even when I don’t see you. May I have the hope that gives me perseverance in continued searching. May I have the love that encourages me to recommit to you as I wait to see you. 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).