Dear Friend, 

Saturday, March 9, 2024

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

From the time I was a college student, I’ve had a devotion to the 7 Last Words of Christ from the Cross— words of love by Love.  This Lent, I realize I’ve been thinking less about words and more about Christ’s countenance – expressions of love by Love.   Might being a good disciple require contemplating the face of Christ when he’s silent?

I imagine Mary knowing her Son’s every expression---knowing what was in his heart, even if he spoke not a word.  I picture her looking at her Crucified Son, listening quietly to his every word, but also looking intently into his eyes, particularly when he could not speak. Imagine the sorrowful gaze between Mother and Son.

I imagine that the disciples had many opportunities to look into the face of Jesus when Jesus was silent. I think of Peter catching the look of Jesus at the time that the rooster crowed. Peter didn’t need any words to understand Jesus’ look; the expression of loving rebuke must have gone directly to Peter’s heart as he “broke down and wept.”  (Mk. 14:72)

I can put myself into so many scenes in the Gospels where there was a powerful Divine look, particularly when Jesus cured those who were suffering. But I also think of other times, less dramatic, when Jesus walked with the disciples. Surely, there were times when Jesus stopped speaking and just walked in silence. Would I have been content to walk quietly---or would I have been filling in the silence with non-stop talking and a barrage of questions?   Would I have taken a look at Jesus and wondered: “What is on his mind? What is on his heart?”  Would my look connote mere curiosity or deep love?  Would I have caught the look of love on Jesus’ face for others, and for me? 

I think of the times when Jesus was a houseguest.  I imagine he occasionally was quiet, allowing for moments of sacred silence in the home. Would I have treasured the quiet, realizing with gratitude that I was in the presence of the Son of God? Would I have appreciated the times that Jesus fell silent, listening to me as I confided my troubles and dreams?

Dear Lord, we humbly seek your company. Please teach us the sacred eloquence of silence.  Help us to be content when we do not hear your voice; may we simply be comfortable in the quiet of your Divine presence.  As disciples called to friendship with you, may we have the honor of contemplating the love reflected on your Holy Face. Thank you for listening to us and teaching us how to listen to 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).