Birthday Reflection
By Fred Schaeffer, OFS
I wasn’t sure I would be able to write this reflection because I switched security software and it took several days to get things working right again. I made the switch because more time was spent fixing things than actually writing reflections.
My birthdays are celebrated with friends, usually Secular Franciscans, because that’s who I am: a Secular Franciscan for 32+ years. My Franciscan sister, Jean, treated me to dinner at my favorite restaurant, C.J.Cannon’s (Vero Beach, FL) where the whole crew knows me from a time I ate there more often. The dinner (Crab) was delicious, thank you.
You've heard the expression "We have a friend in Jesus." It comes from a hymn, but that doesn’t matter: we DO have a friend in Jesus. He forgives us and has unlimited mercy. All we have to do is ask for forgiveness, preferably in the Confessional. Many years ago, I recall a story of a woman who was burdened by sin and was suffering. She wanted to go to confession but felt she would be a burden to the priest. Anyway, one of the Deacons convinced her to just go to confession. Less than ten minutes later, she returned and was delighted. Her burden was gone, and she was at peace. Some people hang on for too long. When we are burdened, seek help. Anxiety only brings more problems.
Prayer is, and always has been, a gift of God. Prayer is an expression of His Love for us. For people who steadfastly tell others that they cannot pray, there is something that blocks the relationship between themselves and God. God only loves; He wishes what is good for us, and He continues to encourage and bring us hope. If there is something wrong in our relationship to God, it is never God's fault. People who really think they cannot pray should seek advice, open up to someone, and, most of all, just ask God to help you. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Mat. 7:7-8)
Peace, and His blessing be with you.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
August 28, 2026