Our Lord has great love for us
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn. 3:16). Recently, in the Liturgy of the Hours, in Hebrews 7:24-27, “Jesus, because he remains forever, has a priesthood that does not pass away. Therefore, he is always able to save those who approach God through him, since he lives forever to make intercession for them. It was fitting that we should have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, higher than the heavens. He has no need, as did the high priests, to offer sacrifice day after day, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did that once for all when he offered himself.” That’s an extremely important Scripture, confirming that Jesus stands ready to intercede for us when we approach him in our prayer to God. What will stand in the way of obtaining His help? Sin. Sin is an insult to Jesus because it tells him we do not fully love him.
Saint Francis of Assisi, a holy man who lived about 800+ years ago, well known to people of all Faiths, was a man of God. He began his life as a rich man, following worldly desires. He had a time of rebellion in his life, as I think we all have, a time to choose, to find ourselves, to find what we want to do with our lives. But Francis heard God’s call, “Rebuild my Church!” So Francis found this broken down abandoned edifice, once a sanctuary, and with mortar and stones began to rebuild God’s Church. Francis has done more than rebuilding a broken-down chapel with stones. His following, the devotion to Francis by thousands, Franciscans of many ages, male and female, priests, religious and Lay Franciscans (Secular Franciscan Order) have continued to shape and thus rebuilt the Church.
We seek a life in Jesus not because we wish to be pain free, free of temptation, but because we love Him above all else. Saint Francis exhibited this love for Christ by living as a humble servant. Francis had no desire to be rich. His richness came from washing and caring for the outcasts of society in his day: Lepers. He lived a strict life of penance and pain. While we cannot be like Francis, living in an unwavering ascetical style, we can give charity to our brothers and sisters, that is people all over the world.
Examine how we can do better. Take a stand and it’s full steam ahead for God. We may not have much time left but use the time we have to prepare for Heaven. Peace to all of you.
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
April 30, 2025