Repair My Church
A Franciscan View by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

Article 6(b) of the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order states, "Called like Saint Francis to rebuild the Church and inspired by his example, let them devote themselves energetically to living in full communion with the pope, bishops, and priests, fostering an open and trusting dialogue of apostolic effectiveness and creativity."

Our Lord instructed Saint Francis, "Francis, go and repair my Church, which, as you see, is falling into ruin." The second paragraph in Article 6 of our Rule (above) tells us to do likewise. As most of you have been reading the newspapers, listening to media reports, and culling all sorts of information from the Internet, it is apparent that our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI is being assailed of all manner of unsubstantiated accusations in reference to clergy child abuse. The intent of this special reflection is not to prove or disprove the accusations. That is not for us to decide. There are mechanisms within the Church intended to deal with such matters. Unfortunately, the world's media is using this occasion as a field day to besmirch the Catholic Church, and in addition, private individuals who harbor an adversarial stance against Catholicism are openly venting their anger and frustrations. Then the most recent spate of stories that Catholics are leaving their church in droves leaves me very much concerned.

Many people, these days, have no desire to participate in what they call, "the institutional church." That is their privilege and right, of course, but what about God? Is this bitter attitude towards organized religion the precursor of shutting out God in their lives? If so, that has consequences. Those who shut out God, open themselves wide for sin to occur. The love of God for us, and He loves us all, is a powerful force. The relationship between God and ourselves is what fuels goodness and love, and keeps us, with some cooperation on our part, from sliding into the abyss.

Let us not use the clergy abuse scandal as a catalyst to stop loving God, no matter how difficult for some. Those who are involved in the abuse, the victims in particular, have every right to be bitter and disillusioned, but never shut out God. God is our dearest friend, and as we celebrate and remember this very week, Holy Week, through His love, He redeemed us so that we have the opportunity to share with Him forever in paradise. The fellow next to him on the cross, a thief, asked, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." He replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." (Lk 23:42-43) Never forget, there is always hope, just ask Him!

That is a tremendous gift from Him to all of us. He died for our sins, and as we recall this week in the Liturgy of Holy Thursday, He gave us the means to confess our sins, so that we may be whole again. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a wonderful gift of God. Let us use this means to narrow and eliminate the abyss that exists between us and God, by our own making. Yes, by our sins, we separate us from God, and that gap needs to be filled so that we can once again seek unity with Him. None of us are saints, except a very few. We are all sinners, but we can do better. People who tell us again, and again, that they are sinners and so they cannot narrow the gulf between them and the Lord are heading in the wrong direction. Curtailing sin is a matter of self-control, but letting it go on while acknowledging weakness, that is just one of many excuses. Be firm. Have faith. It is true that man contributes very little, but with God, we can do most everything, including curtailing habitual sin, even if God touches 99% of us and we struggle with the remaining 1%! As long as we keep asking Him for help, He will help us. Of that I have no doubt at all.

As Franciscans, we have a great opportunity here that was given to us when we made our Profession. For me that was some 30 years ago, and each year I become firmer in my resolve to lead the life St. Francis of Assisi's Rule demands of me, in the Name and with the Grace of our Lord. It doesn't mean that I'm perfect but I keep trying, I keep trying to plug away at the mission at hand.

Secular Franciscans, together with the brothers and sisters of the First Order, Second Order, and Third Order Regular, are committed to accomplish the mission that God entrusts to Francis to repair his house, which is the Church—the Body of Christ---in each one of its expressions, and to enable it to accomplish its mission of salvation, announcing conversion and the Gospel to all creatures (convert and believe in the Gospel). "The OFS, as an International Public Association, is connected by a special bond to the Roman Pontiff from whom it has received the approval of its Rule and the confirmation of its mission in the Church and the world." OFS Gen. Const., Art. 99.2

I hope that someone will read this little “Franciscan View” reflection, and if he or she is a person who is bitter because of recent events, and/or against the Catholic or any other organized church for whatever reason, please do not stop loving God. When one stops loving God, the pendulum usually moves into the direction of Satan-do not make that mistake. Satan will drag you down forever. Satan is very active in the world today, but God will ultimately prevail.

People who have been abused even if a long time ago, are suffering day in, day out, with many psychological problems. They need our help and compassion. Most of all, they need prayer and understanding. If you find such a person, I can assure you that the cry for help is never far below the surface. Sometimes a quiet talk about God's love and understanding is just what is needed to help.

Let us continue to pray for peace within our Church, and that God may forgive those who have brought hurt to other people.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
March 28, 2010, slightly rev. January 12, 2024 (new to this website)

Home