Called for each other
A Reflection 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 2026 is here. 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.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
January 4, 2026