Controlling Distractions
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Distractions can often lead to exasperation. While attempting to engage in prayer, the insistent chime of a cellphone—a notification heralding a new message—interrupts my focus. One such interruption may be manageable, but if it persists, I frequently find myself losing the thread of my prayer, which becomes exceedingly frustrating. I rationalize that succumbing to the temptation of checking the message not only detracts from my concentration but also constitutes a disservice to God.
Of course, the most mature course of action would be to refrain from succumbing to the distracting notification. Remain steadfast in the prayer you have initiated and pursue it to its conclusion. The spirit is indeed willing, yet the flesh—ourselves—remains frail, compelling us to reach for the phone, does it not? That is the essence of temptation.
I engage in Morning Prayer and recite a Rosary from 9 to 10:30 AM. Evening and sometimes Night Prayer, about 7:30-8:30 PM. Early in the morning, I experience a lot of message traffic, prompting me to place my phone face down (Do Not Disturb mode); conversely, the situation is not as bad at night. There are days when I lose it: frustration leads to anger (temper tantrums). I have a bit of a temper, and it is a weakness I have to fight to control at times. There is no doubt about it: prayer helps.
I use AI periodically to enhance my sentence structure in a paragraph, but I have full control, I can accept, reject or edit the outcome. But AI is a powerful instrument. Recently, I checked something on YouTube, and I was presented with a speech given in English by the Holy Father, Pope Leo. That talk was a fabrication from A to Z. When I checked the source URL it was clear it did not come from the Vatican News Service. There are distractors out there who so hate the Catholic Church that they make up lies, corruption and deceit in the form of live talks so natural that it is difficult to discern fraud. Please be careful what you read and accept.
Peace and Good,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
August 23, 2025