Reflection by Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D.
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As I continue my Lenten journey seeking the face of Christ, I can’t get a voice out of my head. It’s the unmistakable voice of Humphrey Bogart. I just keep hearing him say, “Here’s looking at you, kid.” The final good-bye scene between Rick (Bogart) and Ilas (Ingrid Bergman) in Casablanca seems to be in a perpetual loop in my mind.
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“Here’s looking at you, kid.” I imagine hearing something like this from Jesus as he sees us searching for him this Lent: “Here, I’m looking at you, my child; I behold you with delight.”
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Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska of the Blessed Sacrament, the great messenger of Divine Mercy, received similar consoling words. In an extraordinary vision, Faustina saw Jesus and heard him say, “O child, especially beloved by Me, apple of My eye, rest a moment near My Heart and taste of the love in which you will delight for all eternity.” I want this statement to be in a perpetual loop in my heart—cancelling out Bogart’s! Imagine the consolation of knowing the great affection that God has for us. “Especially beloved by Me, apple of My eye:” it doesn’t get any better than that!
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May we know today with confidence that Jesus delights in our presence and is pleased that we search for him. Let us try to develop a contemplative outlook, gazing into his eyes and holding that look. Perhaps at this time in Lent, we can shift our attention from seeking the face of Christ to beholding Jesus looking at us with love.
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Dear Lord, I am consoled that you are pleased with our efforts to seek you and to behold your face. Please help us to receive your glance, hold your gaze, and bask in the knowledge of your love. Thank you for looking at each of us as your beloved. 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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