Reflection by Dianne M. Traflet, J.D., S.T.D.
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I hate to admit it, but looking back at my Lenten vocabulary this year, I realize that I have used the word “lost” a lot. The list is quite lengthy, but a few examples will suffice without losing my pride. I lost my keys multiple times—as well as my iPhone and pocketbook, each with increasing panic. I lost an hour of sleep. Just this week, I lost my patience, and I lost my way (going in circles, in fact).
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In most scenarios, I prayed, sometimes in a rather frantic way: “Please, Lord, help!” But, a couple of times, I paused, stopped in my tracks, and simply said: “Lord, I know you are here.”
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Yes, God is always present. God never loses us. Never. He never loses sight of us. Never.
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Such consolation. Looking back on my “lost” moments, there also were other consolations: helpful directions, speedy guidance, people coming to my rescue (truly, one person in particular--a complete stranger but more like a Guardian Angel who went above and beyond to help me), and extra light in the evenings (how can I complain about a little less sleep one day?).
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Other than “lost,” might there be other words that need unpacking this Lent?
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“Found.” This Lent, I found missing items and accurate routes. I found unexpected gifts.
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I wonder: What else might Jesus like us to find today?
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“Not lost.” As Lent continues, I appreciate even more that I haven’t lost my spiritual way; I haven’t lost my faith. I haven’t lost my desire for a deepening relationship with the Lord.
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What else might Jesus like us to appreciate that we have not lost today?
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How might we “pay it forward?” That is, how might we help others find their way and what’s missing in their lives, and point them to the face of Christ?
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Dear Lord, you are the Light of the World. Please illuminate our paths so that we never lose sight of you. Please help us to know and grow in appreciation of all your gifts, including the gift of your presence even at this very moment. Help us to readily come to the assistance of others in their seeking. May we all grow ever closer to you whether we’re lost or not lost. 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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