We are called for each other.

by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

We are called for each other as we continue our journey together, that journey of life in deep faith. Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God for when we have unwavering faith, we have begun eternal life. There are many different beginnings in life: when we begin a new job or move to a different place, get married, or when we become a Secular Franciscan, or when we offer ourselves to the community to be a part of a Fraternity Council. All are beginnings to a new journey, a new adventure, a new relationship, beginning with God.

New beginnings can bring anxiety and some fear; we're uncertain what the future will bring, or we're anxious that things just won't work out even though we know deep down that things always work out if we trust in God. I spoke to a woman who is unemployed. She told me that she didn't worry because she had faith. She believed in God. She knew that God will never leave us in the lurch, and she was perfectly calm. God was with her and she was in good hands. She was safe.

We’re called for each other, you and God. That's a vertical relationship; but there is also a horizontal relationship here, as we're called for each other, for our sisters and brothers. St. Francis called us together, to live the evangelical life... living the Gospel and, especially, giving witness to many who search for God's Word, His truth, and His light. Notice I didn't add "as a Franciscan," because all baptized Christians have this responsibility. And because He has called us, He has already given us the grace to accomplish all this. The year 2022 is about a month away. It seems the condition of the world is precarious at best. Let us reflect that in our soul, every day is, "a day blessed by the Lord." It is time to prepare for the future, by getting our spiritual house in order, so to speak. "Jesus Christ, the one savior of the world, yesterday, today, and forever." (Heb. 13:8) He is our All in all. It's a new beginning but it is only by reading and studying the Word, that you can live the Gospel, and that you can give witness. If you studied Scripture, particularly the New Testament, during your OFS meetings, more people would flock to your meetings, especially if you advertised it. Your fraternity will grow! Please pray every day that Divine Mercy Fraternity will grow stronger yet! Relying on our Lord with confidence is a continual act of humility. Totally abandon yourself in Him, and He will watch over you. Amen.

Fred Schaeffer, OFS
November 30, 2021

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An OFS Statement of Commitment
 

We realize the importance of glorifying God,

of striving for personal holiness,

and of working for the spiritual and temporal welfare of others.

We recognize the great value of the Secular Franciscan Way of Life

in seeking to achieve these important goals.

Therefore, we resolve to observe the teaching of Jesus Christ,

by following in his footsteps,

according to the spirit and Rule of St. Francis of Assisi.

With the help of the grace of God,

we will try to participate as fully and as often as possible

in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass,

in the other Sacraments of the Church,

especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation,

and in the celebration of the Divine Office,

the official prayer of the Church.

We will try to spend a portion of time each day

in personal prayer and service to others.

We will involve ourselves in the life of our fraternity each month,

to build a stronger community and as an act of worship.

We will contribute according to our means, time, talent, and possessions

to the charities of the Church and the Franciscan Family,

especially to the poor, the marginalized, the sick, and the suffering.

We will uphold the dignity of every person and the worth of all creation.

We will demonstrate our loyalty to the Commandments of God

and to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

We will continually try to turn closer to the Lord

and make daily conversion of heart our intention.

We will use the material and spiritual gifts that we have received

in a spirit of justice, moderation, and generosity.

We will wear the Tau Cross daily as the official symbol of our membership

in the Secular Franciscan Order in the United States of America.

By our actions and our speech

we will show others that we are followers of the Gospel,

by setting a good example and striving to be peacemakers

in our society and within our own families.

This we resolve through the help of the Virgin Mary and St. Francis,

by the grace of the Holy Spirit,

and in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

From: Five Franciscan Martyrs Region, 2007

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