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May 2024
"Mary's Little Portion"
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
St. Francis devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus and of the Church, was deep. There is no doubt that this devotion was instilled in him by his parents as they were devout people. St. Francis childhood predated the popular devotion of the Rosary, but it is clear that he has written many prayers to Mary by his own hand. A small dilapidated building down the hill from Assisi, owned by the Benedictines of Subiaco, later given to the Franciscans, is the "Portiuncula" housed in the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels. Francis rebuilt this little chapel personally, with the help of his first followers, in 1206, after his conversion.
As time went on and the friars began to multiply, the Poor Clares were established, and the Brothers and Sisters of Penance were added to Francis' followers, "Mary's Little Portion*" became known as the "Cradle of Franciscanism*". As St. Francis was attending Holy Mass in this small chapel, he heard the reading from the Gospel of Matthew 10, "Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace." And Francis knew that is what he had to do. That was his objective in founding the Order of Friars Minor, to go speak to people in a town, any town, without income, without gold (riches), with the clothes on his back, just go!
The friars are still doing that. OK, they stay longer in a town than one or two days, but it can be expected that friars are reassigned every three years, and many do move on to other assignments. One friar told me that he never fully unpacked his moving boxes, knowing that when he finally got around to it, it was time to move again. That is the nature of mendicants, they do not take roots in a particular friary or monastery, but they go where they are needed.
Francis and his friars did not spend a lot of time in this little chapel. They came there to pray and hold their Chapters (community meetings, a Chapter of Election is held traditionally every three years); they did not sleep or eat in this little church. They were Umbrian beggars, going here and there as fancy dictated. sleeping in hay-lofts, in leper hospitals, or under the porch of some church (Sabbatier). "Seeing that day by day the number of his followers was increasing, Francis wrote simply and in a few words a form of life and rule for himself and his brothers both present and to come. It mainly used the words of the Gospel, for the perfection of which alone he yearned. Nevertheless, he did insert a few other things necessary for the pursuit of a holy life.
"He came to Rome with all his brothers, hoping that Pope Innocent III would confirm what he had written. At that time the venerable bishop of Assisi, Guido, who honored Francis and the brothers and prized them with a special love, also happened to be in Rome. When he saw Francis and his brothers there and did not know the cause, he was very upset, since he feared they were planning to desert their native city, in which God was now doing great things through his servants. He was pleased to have such men in his diocese and relied greatly on their life and manners. Having heard the cause of their visit and understood their plan, he was relieved and promised to give them advice and aid." (Celano, 1st Life of St. F. Ch. 13) The pope orally approved the Rule Francis had written, in 1209.
"In November 1215, however, the Fathers of the Fourth Lateran Council published very precise rules regarding religious Orders. Canon 13 of the Council states that there were too many religious Orders, and the founding of new Order was henceforth forbidden. Whoever wanted to embrace religious life was obliged to enter into one of the already approved Orders of monks or canons regular. Francis himself could be the exception to this rule, for the simple reason that he invoked the oral approval of his Form of Life by Innocent III in 1209.
"In fact, this made it possible for the Friars Minor to continue developing their legislation in the aftermath of the Fourth Lateran Council, particularly during the celebration of the Pentecost Chapter, at least from 1217 onwards, and to produce a more articulated Form of Life in the Earlier Rule of 1221, and eventually in the definitive Regula Bullata or Later Rule, confirmed by Pope Honorius III on November 29, 1223." (Muscat)
Now, let us ponder how long it would take for St. Francis and his friars to walk to Rome. To drive the distance from Assisi to the Eternal City takes 115 miles by modern road, but the friars weren't driving. They walked. It probably took them 4-5 days, if they stopped and met people from place to place.
On Palm Sunday, in the year 1212, St. Francis received Clare. He gave her a religious habit, and cut her hair, as is still customary today in certain strict orders when someone joins. Today we have the Order of St. Clare, also known as the Poor Clares, because as with the friars, they too make a Vow of Poverty, as well as Obedience and Chastity.
"Luchesio Modestini (born ca. 1180) was a merchant in the little town of Poggibonzi in Tuscany. More than most merchants, he was so entirely and solely concerned with material success that he was generally reputed to be an avaricious man. His wife, Buonadonna, was of a similar disposition. Then the grace of God touched the husband. He realized how foolish it is to strive only for worldly goods, of which he could take nothing with him to eternity, meanwhile forgetting about his soul's salvation, as he had, unfortunately, been doing until then. He began to practice works of mercy and to perform his religious obligations with fidelity; he succeeded in winning his wife over to a similar outlook on life.
"Since they had no one to care for but themselves, and Luchesio feared that in conducting his business he might relapse into covetousness, he gave up his business entirely. He and his good wife divided everything among the poor and retained for themselves only so much acreage as would suffice for their support. Luchesio tilled this with his own hands.
"About this time St. Francis came to Tuscany. After his sermon on penance, hosts of people desired to leave all and enter the convent. But the saint admonished them calmly to persevere in their vocation, for he had in mind soon to give them a special rule according to which they could serve God perfectly even in the world. "At Poggibonzi Francis visited Luchesio, with whom he had become acquainted through former business transactions. Francis greatly rejoiced to find this avaricious man so altered, and Luchesio, who had already heard about the blessed activities of Francis, asked for special instructions for himself and his wife, so that they might lead a life in the world that would be pleasing to God.
Establishment of an order for lay people
"Francis then explained to them his plans for the establishment of an order for lay people; and Luchesio and Buonadonna asked to be received into it at once. This, according to tradition, they became the first members of the Order of Penance, which later came to be called the Third Order, (and then Secular Franciscan Order).
"If Luchesio and Buonadonna were really the first Tertiaries, they must have become such not long after St. Francis founded his First Order in 1209. The first simple rule of life, which St. Francis gave to the first Tertiaries at that time, was supplanted in 1221 by one which Cardinal Ugolino prepared in legal wording. And in the same year Pope Honorius III approved this rule verbally. For this reason the year 1221 is often given as the date of the founding of the Third Order of St. Francis.
"After Luchesio had put on the gray garment of a Tertiary, he rapidly advanced toward perfect holiness. He practiced penitential austerities, often fated on bread and water, slept on the hard floor, and at his work bore God constantly in his heart. His generosity to the poor knew no bounds, so that one day there was not even a loaf of bread for his own household. When still another poor man came, he asked his wife to look whether there was not something they could find for him. That vexed her and she scolded him severely; his mortifications, she said, had well nigh crazed him, he would keep giving so long that they themselves would have to suffer hunger. Luchesio asked her gently to please look in the pantry, for he trusted in Him who had multiplied a few loaves for the benefit of thousands. She did so, and the marvel of it! The whole pantry was filled with the best kind of bread. From that time on Buonadonna vied with her husband in doing good.
"When a plague raged in Poggibonzi and the surrounding places, Luchesio went out with his laden donkey, to bring the necessaries to the sick. When he did not have enough to supply all, he begged for more from others in behalf of the distressed. "Once he carried a sick cripple, whom he had found on the way, to his home on his shoulders. A frivolous young man met him, and asked him mockingly, "what poor devil is that you are carrying there on your back?" Luchesio replied calmly. "I am carrying my Lord Jesus Christ." At once the young man's face became distorted, he cried out fearfully, and was dumb. Contritely he cast himself on his knees before Luchesio, who restored his speech to him by means of the Sign of the Cross.
"The time had come when the faithful servant of God was to receive the reward for his good works. When he lay very ill, and there was no hope for his recovery, his wife said to him, "Implore God, who gave us to each other as companions in life, to permit us also to die together." Luchesio prayed as requested. and Buonadonna fell ill with a fever, from which she died even before her husband, after devoutly receiving the holy sacraments. Luchesio passed away with holy longing for God on April 28, 1260. At his grave in the Franciscan church at Poggibonzi many miracles have occurred. His continuous veneration as Blessed was approved by Pope Pius VI." All Franciscans, friars, poor clares, and secular franciscans are under the protection of Mary, the Mother of God, and that is what St. Francis desired us to be.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
June 7, 2023 rev. May 1, 2024
(*) titles used in "Day by Day, with the followers of Francis & Clare" by Fr. Pat McCloskey, OFM. 1999. St. Anthony Messenger Press, Cincinnati, OH. (page 88)
(Sabbatier) Life of St. Francis by Paul Sabbatier
(Muscat) HISTORY OF THE FRANCISCAN MOVEMENT Volume 1, FROM THE BEGINNINGS OF THE ORDER TO THE YEAR 1517. Noel Muscat OFM
The Beauty of the Soul
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Jesus said to the crowds: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” (in Jn. 6) If a discerning Catholic, puts God second place, the soul will suffer. The life within, in the soul, is a life of strong conviction for some, and a very fragile life for others. The soul is reserved for a special relationship with Jesus, a strong relationship of total love with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That means God ALWAYS comes first. And that also means, when the proverbial bell rings, we stop what we are doing and we withdraw into our "secret room" to pray. If we do this consistently, we will never run out on God and He will reward us, if not in this life, then certainly in the next.
The relationship between God the Father and God the Son is very special. Based on much prayer and thought, and inspiration from the Holy Spirit, their relationship is filial, in other words, like a father and child. Their love is perfect in every way, and our love for God must be as perfect as possible. Can we accomplish this? We should try to unburden ourselves of weakness and sin. We should forgive people who have hurt us, and seek reconciliation with those whom we have hurt. Seeking pure relationships with people comes at a cost, suffering. It takes suffering on the part of most people to maintain this total immersion in obedience to God, and purity. It can be a very rocky well-fought fight. He does not award spiritual slouching. He looks for dedication, zeal, and the strong will to please Him. He loves conquerors, He identifies with those who will give this fight their 100% effort. God is also a very forgiving Master. When we have erred, we confess our sins, and we promise to do better. We can say we love God, but do we really? Do our actions, our striving to obey His Commandments, indicate willingness to try harder, or is it only a half-hearted effort. The great Saint Bonaventure, in so many words, said ... If you love God, you do not sin. If you still sin, you do not love God enough! That's really what this is all about. It is the nitty-gritty of the matter, not loving God enough. But what are you doing about it... are you trying to sin less, or are you a spiritual couch potato?
Within a strong sense of obedience, it is possible to live in a continual state of purity. Obedience is the gateway that keeps our will, tainted by Original Sin, out of the equation. There is so much suffering in this mixed up world, there are so many people away from the Church, who need our prayerful help. A dedicated soul is a valuable commodity, that far outweighs any artificial road to fame, lavish living, or material things as such. Chastity, it is easy to understand why this is one of the Evangelical Counsels, even for lay people, married or single, who belong to Secular Institutes (e.g. Secular Franciscan Order), there is a need for chaste living. The rewards, even in this life, are overwhelming. Being at total peace with God is a happy relationship, a contemplative or meditative relationship, and subsequently those who enjoy this state of the soul, will be beneficial to society, evenly friendly to all, regardless of differences between themselves and others. They will bring into this world, a continual smile, a compassionate heart, and they will be seen as an image of Christ.
May the Lord bless you and may He show His face to you.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
May 2, 2024
Mary the Mother of God and our Mother
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Rule 9 of the Secular Franciscan Order: “The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to his every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently.”
Our sisters and brothers should imitate her complete self-giving by praying with confidence. We do this because we know that Mary has the ear of her Son. He listens to her and so our prayers get answered. And they do. I pray at least one Rosary each day, in addition to the Liturgy of the Hours. I would like to go to daily Mass but I can’t because I do not have a car anymore, and can’t afford one. With three friends I manage to get to Sunday Mass but that’s not always guaranteed. A few weeks ago, all three were out of town, so no Mass. It bothers me but it cannot be helped.
With so many people wishing to be prayed for, I hope they are praying for me that I can get to Church and Reconciliation. A Eucharistic Minister comes to the house once a week, praise God. Currently there are over 200 people on my daily prayer list. I pray for each person. These prayers aren’t long but I think of their prayer wants as I read each name. Many are known to me. I wish people in these OFS Regional prayer lists (Five Franciscan Martyrs Region) could tell me how they are doing. But feedback after the initial request is rare. I don’t even know if they are still alive. We continue to pray for them and sometimes I ask Jesus or Mary if the person isn’t with us anymore, could the prayer be applied to another needy person?
Let’s face it, the times we are in are a mess! We seem to be on a path of destruction of property, people, family, and ourselves. Let us all pray that these conditions return back to normal. One hears of riots in Colleges and Universities almost of a daily basis. It sickens me that the Jews in this world are again under fire as they were in the Second World War. I lost parts of my mother’s family to Nazi-Socialism. It sickens me that their suffering is beginning again. Let us ALL live as brothers and sisters should, in peace and joy. Please pray to Jesus and Mary for their help.
In St. Francis,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
5/5/24
Mental Images in Holy Scripture
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
There are some very powerful images in Holy Scripture. These are not necessarily pictures or photographs but descriptions of ideas that form a logical mental image. Take for example, the mental image of the Eagle hovering over it's brood. “As an eagle incites its nestlings forth by hovering over its brood, So he spread his wings to receive them and bore them up on his pinions.” (Deut. 32:11) If you've ever seen an Eagle in flight or at a nest, their size is impressive.
In the Hymn, "On Eagles' Wings" (by Fr. Jan Michael Joncas) the words form a strong image of comfort and heavenly joy. This hymn is especially desired for Masses of Christian Burial, but Fr. Joncas originally wrote this hymn for use at Pentecost.
Another mental image is strongly conveyed in the words: "What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.” … “I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.” (Luke 15:4-7) The concept of the Shepherd and the Sheep is very strong. There is no stronger analogy for God loving us until the end! The message it conveys tells us how important we are in the sight of God.
"The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." (Jn. 1:29) "The Lamb of God" is innocent and our redeemer. Another strong image.
The Biblical significance of the title is rendered in the context of earlier lamb symbolism. The blood of the paschal lamb of the Old Testament protects and saves the Israelites in Exodus 12. This link is made explicit in 1 Corinthians 5:7. For Paul, Christians are saved by Christ as their true paschal lamb.
The Old Testament also testifies to the earlier practice of sin offerings as a possible means of atonement. Lambs could be used in these offerings (e.g. Leviticus 4:32–34 and 5:6), and this link is strongly suggested by John 1:29 and 1 Peter 1:19. Just as in Judaism sins could be forgiven through the offering and the pouring out of the blood of an "unblemished" lamb (cf. Lev 4:32), so Christians believe they can be freed from sin by the blood of Jesus, the unblemished Lamb of God. See Sin for further discussion about the concept of sin and the means of atonement in Judaism. Those who reject the lamb of God atonement theology say that blood cannot forgive sin and that Jesus taught us to remove our sins by repentance, love and forgiving others.
Then there are images of great strength, David and Goliath or the powerful voice of the Lion, and The Lion of Judah. "In Christianity, the Lion of Judah epithet is used to refer to Jesus Christ. In fact, there are a number of authentic Christian ministries that use the symbol as their emblem or a prefix to their names. The reference appears in the Bible in the Book of Revelation 5:5, in the New Testament. The symbol is read and understood as a direct reference to Jesus, where he is regarded as the 'lion of the tribe' and 'Root of David'.
The Four Gospels in the New Testament have symbols ... Matthew the Evangelist, the author of the first gospel account is symbolized by an Angel. Matthew's gospel starts with Jesus' genealogy from Abraham; it represents Jesus' Incarnation, and so Christ's human nature. This signifies that Christians should use their reason for salvation. Mark the Evangelist, the author of the second gospel account is symbolized by a Lion - a figure of courage and monarchy. Mark has John the Baptist preaching "like a lion roaring" at the beginning of his Gospel. It also represents Jesus' Resurrection (because lions were believed to sleep with open eyes, a comparison with Christ in the tomb), and Christ as king. This signifies that Christians should be courageous on the path of salvation.
Luke the Evangelist, the author of the third gospel account (and presumably the Acts of the Apostles) is symbolized by an Ox bull or calf - a figure of sacrifice, service and strength. Luke's account begins with the duties of Zacharias in the temple; it represents Jesus' sacrifice in His Passion and Crucifixion, as well as Christ being High priest (this also represents Mary's obedience). The ox signifies that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice themselves in following Christ.
John the Evangelist, the author of the fourth gospel account is symbolized by an Eagle - a figure of the sky, and believed to be able to look straight into the sun. John starts with an eternal overview of Jesus the Logos and goes on to describe many things with a "higher" level of theology than the other three "terrestrial" Synoptic Gospels; it represents Jesus' Ascension, and Christ's divine nature.
In the Catholic Church, in general, we associate certain images with Truths in Holy Scriptures. The dove representing the Holy Spirit is an example. We know it is a dove, a bird, but in conjunction with the other images (Father, Son) there is no doubt that the dove represents the Holy Spirit.
The images of the empty tomb signifying that the Lord has Risen, and the stark images of the Cross, leave no doubt what Scripture is trying to convey to us. In the tomb, open with the heavy stone rolled away from the entrance, we know that Jesus is no longer there.
All these mental images are ideal meditation starters. Let the story that unfolds in Holy Scripture roll around in your mind. Relive the story in your heart, knowing that every word is true. These four Gospels and Readings are the Life of Jesus Christ. Use the Scriptures to learn from, and to learn about God's infinite love for us and for each person on earth. Tell other people what you’ve learned so they may come to know and love Jesus through the four Evangelists.
Fred S. Schaeffer, OFS
Researched and written May 9, 2010
Published May 8, 2024
The Lord has chosen her: his loved one from the beginning
a Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Today we celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Fatima. In 1917, she appeared to three peasant children. The event was declared of "supernatural character" by the Catholic Church in 1930. A shrine was built near the site in Fatima, which has been attended by thousands of the faithful. Pope Pius XII approved the "Fatima apparitions" in 1940. In 2017, Pope Francis approved the recognition of a miracle involving two of the children involved in the Fatima event, Francisco and Jacinta Marto, which paved the way for their canonization. Catholics see the event as the fulfillment of a promise by Mary, mother of Jesus, to the shepherd children who said she appeared to them several times before 13 October 1917. According to the children's accounts, Mary, referred to as the "Lady of Fatima", promised them she would perform a miracle to show people they were telling the truth, and so caused the crowds to see the Sun make "incredible" movements in the sky.
The Lord has chosen her to be His Mother, and our Mother. Through her intercession, we are defended against the wiles of the devil. The Church recommends we pray the Rosary daily, that beautiful prayer of the mother of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary. On July 13th crowds began to gather for the apparition. Our Lady said, "I want you to come here on the thirteenth day of the coming month, and to continue to say five decades of the Rosary every day in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary to obtain the peace of the world and the end of the war. For She alone will be able to help." (quotation EWTN)
The Fatima Prayers
- “O My Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy. Amen” (Said at the end of each decade of the Rosary)
- “My God I believe I adore I hope and I love Thee. I beg pardon for all those that do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love Thee. Amen”
- “Oh most Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I adore you profoundly. I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ present in all the Tabernacle’s of the world, in reparation for the outrageous, sacrilegious, any indifferences by which He is offended. Amen.”
- The Eucharistic Prayer: “Most Holy Trinity, I adore Thee! My God, my God, I love thee in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Amen.”
- The Sacrifice Prayer: “Oh Jesus, it is for the love of Thee in reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary and for the conversion of poor sinners (that I do this) Amen.” (This prayer is meant to be recited when we are offering up a suffering to God.)
These are all beautiful prayers given us at Fatima. Please honor Our Mother, who next to Jesus is our dearest ally and friend.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
May 13, 2024
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
"Breathe into me Holy Spirit, that all my thoughts may be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy." (Holy Spirit Prayer of Saint Augustine)
“O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love.” (Faith & Worship website)
The Holy Spirit is the love between God the Father and the Son and He reaches down to us when we ask for His help. So many people who ask to be prayed for them wonder why the Lord does not answer or bring healing. We need to make the effort to wipe away sin when that stands in the way between us and God. He does answer prayers. “Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you receive it, and you will.” Mark 11:24
Prayer does not have to be a long string of words. The "Our Father" is a very beautiful prayer because Jesus Christ put it together (Mt. 6:9) and certainly, the "Hail Mary," is a heavenly prayer because it is what the Angel Gabriel said to Mary at the Annunciation. There are people who pray endless prayers, words, more words. Now that works for some, but it does not have to be such a long prayer. If the person about to be hit by a car on the road says: "God help me!" that is a wonderful prayer and believe me, God will hear it. I love small prayers. I am not a man of many words (except when I write these essays, hopefully with the help of the Holy Spirit). That is, because much of my day is spent alone. But my day is very much in the Presence of God. I consciously offer my time to Him, be it for the Souls in Purgatory or for another intention. I may not talk to God all the time, but I know He is close. I have this wonderful feeling of peace within me, which I've had really since my years in contemplative life (1997-2002). One of my religious brothers from that period used to ask me "is that some sort of fuzzy feeling?" - well, no. It is a very positive feeling that I am not alone in this world, and that God is with me all the time. I offer all I do to Him. My sleeping, eating, praying, work for others, work in the house, going to Holy Mass, singing, praying the Liturgy of the Hours, etc., I try to remember to offer all these acts up to God. Of course, you can offer it up for any intention. Preferably for someone else (but it's OK to intention yourself, too). One could certainly offer it up for the intentions of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Whatever you do, make your day count. Offer it up, not just your prayers but everything you do. Make it count for some intention or for someone you feel needs help. There are many people who need help. Many ask for help, who are battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. There are many people who do not know God and sometimes their lives are in despair, or meaningless. Some people are a menace to society... pray for them. The prisons aren't overcrowded for nothing... offer up your day that prisoners may have access to a Bible and begin to read it, so that they will learn something about the goodness of Jesus Christ and ultimately repent and begin a new life when they are released.
Peace and All Good,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
May 14, 2024
God's love for us: The Holy Spirit
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Who is the Holy Spirit? The answer is found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), beginning with Article 683: "No one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit." "God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!"' This knowledge of faith is possible only in the Holy Spirit: to be in touch with Christ, we must first have been touched by the Holy Spirit. He comes to meet us and kindles faith in us. By virtue of our Baptism, the first sacrament of the faith, the Holy Spirit in the Church communicates to us, intimately and personally, the life that originates in the Father and is offered to us in the Son."
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Holy Trinity, said to be the love expressed between the Father and Son (the first and second person of the Holy Trinity). It is something we Catholic believe by Faith. There is ONE God in THREE persons, and to understand anything about the Faith (because, Faith is a Gift of God) we have to listen to the Holy Spirit. Article 686 CCC: "The Holy Spirit is at work with the Father and the Son from the beginning to the completion of the plan for our salvation. But in these "end times," ushered in by the Son's redeeming Incarnation, the Spirit is revealed and given, recognized and welcomed as a person. Now can this divine plan, accomplished in Christ, the firstborn and head of the new creation, be embodied in mankind by the outpouring of the Spirit: as the Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting."
Pentecost is the Feast of the Holy Spirit, the Birth of the Church. Still there are many people, even Catholics, who do not understand the Holy Spirit's role in our Church. We cannot go to Heaven without the help of the Holy Spirit. "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." How do we know the Will of the Father? At the moment we need that information, the Holy Spirit will assist us. (Matthew 7:21) Or, in Luke 12:12: "For the holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say." (©NAB). Some translations say "For the Holy Spirit will teach you all things." From before the Birth of Jesus, the Angel Gabriel told Joseph, and then Mary that [Mary] will conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit. See Mt 1:20-25. And, again, in Mt. 3:11, "I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." There are 90 verses in the New Testament that deal with the words: "Holy Spirit."
It is through the wisdom given us by the Holy Spirit that we know and understand why Jesus called His Father "Abba!" In the New Advent website: "Abba is the Aramaic word for "father." The word occurs three times in the New Testament (Mark 14:36; Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6). In each case it has its Greek translation subjoined to it, reading abba ho pater in the Greek text; abba, pater in the Latin Vulgate, and "Abba, Father" in the English version. St. Paul made use of the double expression in imitation of the early Christians, who, in their turn, used it in imitation of the prayer of Christ." ©Kevin Knight (New Advent).
"Abba" is an informal mode of address - it is the way a child would address his father as "Daddy." Didn't our Lord teach us to be as children, without pretense, without agenda? That's how we're supposed to talk with Jesus, without agenda. We do not tell Him what we are going to do and then expect Him to just tag along. No, we suggest what we might do, and let Him whisper His choice for us!
"Let us examine the Catholic Charismatic Renewal as it exists today. It is the outgrowth from a retreat held in February 1967 of several faculty members and students from Duquesne University. Many of the students - though not all - experienced a movement of God’s Spirit called being “baptized in the Holy Spirit.” The professors had previously been “baptized in the Spirit” a week or two before. God’s action was also prepared for in a very human way by the students’ prayerful preparation in reading the Acts of the Apostles and a book entitled “The Cross and the Switchblade.”
What happened quickly spread to graduate students and professors at the University of Notre Dame and others serving in campus ministry in Lansing, Michigan. It continued to spread so that, as of this date, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal exists in over 238 countries in the world, having touched over 100 million Catholics in its nearly 40-year plus, existence. St. Helen Church in Vero Beach, Florida, has a strong Charismatic group.
In 1975, Pope St. Paul VI greeted ten thousand Catholic charismatics from all over the world at the ninth international conference of the Renewal, “The Church and the world need more than ever that ‘the miracle of Pentecost should continue in history’ . . . How could this ‘spiritual renewal’ not be ‘good fortune’ for the Church and the world?” [others have translated “good fortune” as “a chance”]
Pope St. John Paul II has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. In 1979 soon after becoming Pope, he said, “I am convinced that this movement is a sign of the Spirit’s action . . . a very important component in the total renewal of the Church.” He has met with the international leaders of the Renewal on a number of occasions, and regularly sent greetings to National and International Conferences on the Renewal.
As early as 1969, only two years after the Renewal started, the U.S. Bishops investigated the fledgling movement and the Committee on Doctrine wrote that “theologically the movement has legitimate reasons of existence. It has a strong biblical basis. It would be difficult to inhibit the working of the Spirit which manifested itself so abundantly in the early Church.” (Text from: Chariscenter USA)
We wish you a Happy Pentecost!
Please stay well, and trust in the Lord always.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
2009 rev. 5/15/2024
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations
“The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they all saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age." Mt.28:16-20
Jesus commanded the eleven disciples (in the Gospel heard on Trinity Sunday), to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
That is where the words of Baptism come from: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". (See: CCC1 Para 1240) On Trinity Sunday, we celebrate the fact that we have ONE God in Three Persons. That may be hard to understand.
CCC para. 266 "Now this is the Catholic faith: We worship one God in the Trinity and the Trinity in unity, without either confusing the persons or dividing the substance; for the person of the Father is one, the Son's is another, the Holy Spirit's another; but the Godhead of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is one, their glory equal, their majesty co-eternal."
How many times a day do we cross ourselves and pray: “In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit?”
- At the beginning of Holy Mass
- The priest blesses us with these words at the end of Holy Mass
- Before and after the meals we consume
- When we pray the Liturgy of the Hours or other prayers during our day
- At other times when we feel the urge to pray. When we want to praise God and when we need His help
And maybe even more often…
CCC para. 234 “The mystery of the Most Holy Trinity is the central mystery of Christian faith and life. It is the mystery of God in himself. It is therefore the source of all the other mysteries of faith, the light that enlightens them. It is the most fundamental and essential teaching in the "hierarchy of the truths of faith". The whole history of salvation is identical with the history of the way and the means by which the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, reveals himself to men "and reconciles and unites with himself those who turn away from sin".
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
5/21/2024
Spending quiet time in prayer
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Just before Jesus taught us to pray the Our Father, He instructed the apostles about prayer: "when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you. In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Mat 6:6-8)
Jesus is always there for us! He is always eager to help us because His love is deeper than we can ever understand until we are one in Him after this earthly life has passed. We strive to rest in Jesus, already now in our earthly existence by avoiding (read: not) sinning, and so by loving God unconditionally. That is not easy but it can be done. If this were not the case, heaven would be empty. Maybe this would be a good time to examine the concept of "soul" in the Book of Deuteronomy (6:5): "Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength." The soul is the inner being of every person where a direct relationship may exist between ourselves and God. For those who love God, that relationship exists. For those who do not love God, the relationship from us to God is minimal or none, but God loves us just the same. He does not love the sin in us, but He loves all of us unconditionally. With the aid of the Holy Spirit we can come to understand this relationship easily. And we praise God for His love!
Quietly in Jesus! Set out a time during each day, be it 10 minutes or longer, where we are undisturbed by life around us. Find a quiet place. Often that quiet place is our soul. You know, we can be in a noisy place and still have this quiet time within us with God, but preferably we should seek a quiet place where we are alone. Then we place ourselves at God's disposal, ask Him to be with us in the quiet of our soul where we can love Him totally. Tell Him about yourself, as His servant, who is waiting on His Word. You are listening. You are ready to receive Him spiritually, and you totally trust in Him.
Saint Francis had given God his material possessions by giving those to the poor. He had given his body to God by renouncing the flesh. There are many people, even today, who give what they have to the poor and live in total obedience, poverty, and chastity. Generally, those are people who live in monasteries and convents. That is why the prayer offered by those good people is in such high demand by bishops of the dioceses that have Monastic Orders. There are also many people living in the world, outside of cloistered walls, who strive to live their lives in obedience to God, to the Church, to their spouses perhaps, and these people live close to and in spiritual harmony with God, shunning material riches and the flesh. That certainly is the example Francis gave us, but often it is only played out in the life of a soul, a soul striving for God. A beautiful example of such a soul is Mother (St.) Theresa of Calcutta. Without a strong interior life, it would not have been possible for her to minister to the sick and dying in the way she did. This interior relationship with the Lord is the backbone of anything we set out to do. Without prayer, nothing is possible. Thus when we become involved in holy activities for our brothers and sisters, we feel inclined to pray more, not less. Where people see this peace in us, that is the best way to evangelize one's Faith. Many Secular Franciscans and those in other "Third Orders" have a deep spiritual life.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
2021, revised and shortened 5/21/24
Good places to meditate
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
I’d love to meditate in front of the Blessed Sacrament, but being a homebound that often becomes my recliner at home. This isn’t an ideal place because it is too easy to doze off. My prayer life consists of following Holy Mass on EWTN in the morning, followed by my daily Rosary, and Morning Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours (LH). In the early evening, I pray Evening and Night Prayer of the LH. I try to do “Live Adoration” on EWTN during the day. I want to, but it doesn’t always happen.
One can meditate anywhere except where one would be unsafe for oneself or for others. For example, while driving please do not meditate.
One of the methods to make Scripture come alive is to meditate on a small portion of it, as is advocated by St. Ignatius of Loyola in his book "The Spiritual Exercises.¹" This method really consists of reading a passage of Scripture and then meditating on it, placing yourself in the scene. I'll meditate on Scripture or some other spiritual book.
My favorite passages are those where Jesus is directly doing something, such as healing or feeding the people in Palestine, Canaan or Galilee in His time on earth. Take for example in the Gospel of St. Mark (10:13-16) where Jesus blesses the little children. I imagine myself among one of those children, perhaps there are a dozen all together.
- Meditation
- There were people bringing us to Jesus. My mother, crippled from rheumatism, struggled to get through the crowd that was ever increasing. Finally, we made it to the front, and there was Jesus, a strong and handsome man. Strength exuded from Him, but also, I found, great compassion and love. The children were milling about in front of where He sat with some of His friends, the apostles, nearby. Adults were in this group too, and crowded around Him.
- Suddenly, He got up and I can still remember His deep voice: "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the Kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."
- He motioned for me to be at His side. Somewhat shyly I got up, mother prodding me to hurry, and walked over to Him. He picked me up to where I sat in the crook of his strong arms. There was something very special about this Man. I couldn't figure it out. I was in shock, no, rather I was in awe. He touched the top of my head with His fingers and I heard Him bless me. As He let me to the ground again, I looked at Him once more. I saw a strong man, very healthy with long hair and a very tanned Middle-eastern face. He had a very kind smile and a happy word for everyone. He caught my eye. He winked at me and I was at peace. Mother called and I went home to bring this peace to my friends.
There is a further benefit to this type of meditation—the Holy Spirit inspires us (invite Him to do so) to remember these Scriptural passages and our meditative thoughts often, when we need to remember them. Then we will live by them as true children of God. Be at peace!
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
May 30, 2024
1. (on-line) © 1914, P.J. Kenedy & Sons https://ccel.org/ccel/ignatius/exercises/exercises.i.html