Called for each other
by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
This Reflection is a “re-interpretation” of “We are called for each other,” (2021 rev. shortened 2025). Sometimes, I feel strongly about a topic that can be better said in another way.
Called for each other as we continue our 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. But new beginnings can also be a lessening of involvement. I’m about to become 86, an age that seems to be marked by less involvement and activity, and that gives me great anxiety and also some fear; I’m uncertain what the future will bring, anxious that things just won't work out even though I know deep down that things always work out if we trust in God.
- These changes in my life, began in August 2025, when the old Divine Mercy Fraternity stopped formal meetings and was eventually closed (by necessity, as we had insufficient membership to continue). There must be five Professed members, and we had fewer. After years on a Fraternity council, and involved in the publication of a monthly newsletter, called the Canticle, gave me a lot of good work, work for the Lord and for our members. I did the Canticle for more than 20 years. So slowly all this interesting workload ebbed away. A plus is, that the left-over members joined a new fraternity, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Fraternity of Port St. Lucie, a wonderful and vibrant group. Then we lost Joanne Giordano, OFS, who passed away on July 7th, a wonderful Franciscan and friend. We will not easily forget her. She was Minister in our old Fraternity, for a long time, and, I had been involved in her formation about 12-14 years ago. I learned a lot from her, and when I remember her, which is every day, I get that feeling of emptiness in the pit of my stomach, a feeling of loss and sadness. That said, also feel joy because I know she is in Heaven with Jesus, Mary and St. Francis. Praise the Lord.
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. Let us reflect in our soul, that 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.
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
August 19, 2026