Seeking Franciscan Perfection

SEEKING FRANCISCAN PERFECTION [SFP]
By Fred Schaeffer, OFS
(2008-2014 republished March 2026)

Seeking Franciscan Perfection
Reflections on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

Index to "Seeking Franciscan Perfection"

Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 1 - a school of Christian perfection imbued with the genuine Franciscan spirit.

Pope Pius XII in his 1956 Address to Tertiaries said: "Although the Third Order is not a body of people who are already perfect, it is above all a school of Christian perfection imbued with the genuine Franciscan spirit. For it was instituted for this purpose: to satisfy fully the sincere desires of those who had to remain in the world but who do not wish to be of the world. The Third Order directs its appeal to those who burn with the desire of striving for perfection in their own station in life."

Even though, the good Pontiff wrote this statement 52 years ago, to date, I believe it is still valid this day. Perhaps even more so, as the Secular Franciscan Order now has even better formation guidance and texts, and the whole Order of Franciscans show greater unification of charism and purpose.

Recently, there has been greater emphasis on the Secular Franciscan having a spiritual opportunity to be more contemplative in prayer. In the "Formation program for the Eighth Centenary of St. Elizabeth of Hungary," Year 2, Month 10 this is discussed:

"In her hospital work, just as in her married life, Elizabeth’s active life also included contemplative prayer. Our Rule (II, 8) specifically asks us to "make prayer and contemplation the soul of all we are and do." This means giving contemplative prayer a greater part in our prayer life.

But what is contemplative prayer? We who follow the active life are often told that all of our work, if it is offered up to God, is prayer. We also have the Mass and our daily office, the liturgical prayers of the Church. But both of these are different from contemplation, lifting of our hearts and minds to God. This is a type of prayer we often find difficult. How can we, absorbed as we are by all the cares of family and work, and distracted by the TV, the Internet, and the daily chatter around us, find sufficient time to lift our souls to God?

We can take comfort from the fact that the definitive words of Jesus in the Gospels about the life of contemplation were addressed to a busy housewife. Jesus has come to visit Martha and Mary. Martha, who is an accomplished hostess, waits on Jesus with food and drink and comfortable cushions – these, the things we do for Jesus, represent the active life of service to others in the world. Mary, on the other hand, has chosen to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to his words, and being content in his presence. This is contemplation.

Martha insists to Jesus that contemplative Mary is not pulling her weight, and should get up and help with the serving. Jesus tells Martha "you are anxious and worried about many things," but he adds that only one thing is truly necessary – to listen to his words (Luke 10, 41-42). The contrast between the two sisters has often been used in the Church to differentiate between the active and the contemplative life as two different vocations – the one for the laity and those religious whose lives are spent in service to others, and the other for religious engaged in lives of contemplative prayer. But Jesus is also telling Martha, who lives the active life, that she needs more room in her life to listen to and contemplate Him. All Christians should combine these two things. As St. Augustine says:"No one should be so contemplative that he does not think of the good of his neighbor, nor so active that he does not seek the contemplation of God" (On the City of God, xix, 19)."

As stated above, Rule 8 of the Rule of Saint Francis for the SFO, refers to this way of life. Contemplation is something you may pray for that Our Lord give you this Grace, but the gift is only His to make. You can be predisposed to contemplation by finding a quiet place to pray and to repose, without distractions, and in time, as a result of a daily drawing back from life for the purpose of communicating with Our Lord, you may be favored with this Grace. At the same time, there is suffering involved in this way of life. Satan can get very unruly for those who strive for perfection or greater perfection, and there are numerous examples of this, particularly in Religious Orders. Now, why would you want to strive for perfection when the status quo might perhaps be good enough?

The status quo is never good enough because man is burdened by original sin and the effects of it - concupiscence, and we are in a constant tug-of-war discerning between good and evil. For those already serving in an Order, be it religious or lay in nature and affiliation, the opportunity to excel is there. We know that the greatest command of Our Lord is to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, right? To see the trees for the forest as Saint Francis does so well, and to be 100% there for all those people you are privileged to meet along the way of this pilgrimage of life. If we are 100% for people, then certainly we should be there 100% for the Father. For we are told, by Jesus, to love Our Father in heaven, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. The loving of neighbor is contingent on loving the Father, as we learn in the "Lord's Prayer" - "...forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." If we cannot forgive others, we will not be forgiven ourselves.

The Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order, as well as other Rules (for other parts of the Franciscan Order) follows the same goal. Today the world has become increasingly materialistic and unbelieving. Franciscans are needed to take the joy of the love of Christ to people. The message is still of total love of God, our fellow man who, and wherever he is, and indeed all of creation. A simple message that calls for a simple life, and a reassessment of our values. In this way although the Order is 800 years old, the message is modern and for today. There are about 15,000 professed Secular Franciscans in the United States alone, and in 2002 there were 400,000 professed worldwide. The latest figure stands at 430,000! It makes the SFO an enormous order, and very much worldwide. The entire Franciscan Order numbers 580,000 men and women. This takes a great deal of communications and planning to make sure that all Franciscans get the formative messages from the top down.

"We are a body composed of some 430,000 professed, who, together with the over 150,000 male and female Franciscan religious must accomplish in time and in history the mission that the San Damiano Crucifix entrusted to St. Francis.

"We will be able to fully accomplish all this by developing, living and letting grow within us, in every part of the world, a deep Sense of Belonging and a living awareness of the Grace of Profession that has made us Franciscan, fully realizing our Baptismal vocation and introducing us into the body of the Secular Franciscan Order and of the entire Franciscan Family.

In the next reflection on "Seeking Franciscan Perfection," we will be examining some particulars of this way of life.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #1, 11/01/2008 rev. 2014

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 2 - True Order in the Roman Catholic Church

The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) is a true Order in the Roman Catholic Church. Some supporting texts:

“…, (Francis) founded a true Order, that of the Tertiaries, not restricted by religious vows, as the two preceding (Orders), but similarly conformed to simplicity of customs and to a spirit of penitence. So, he was the first to conceive and happily carry out, with the help of God, what no founder of regulars (religious Orders) had previously contrived, to have the religious life practiced by all.” (Benedict XV, Encyclical “Sacra Propediem” June 6, 1921)

“You are an Order: a lay Order, but a real Order. Ordo veri nominis, as our predecessor of holy memory, Benedict XV (Sacra propediem, June 6, 1921) called it. You will not, as is obvious, be an assembly of the perfect; but you must be a school of Christian perfection. Without this resolute will one cannot suitably be a part of such a chosen and glorious militia.” (Pius XII, July 1, 1956, Speech to the Tertiaries in Rome)

“…you are also an ‘Order,’ as the Pope said (Pius XII): A Lay Order, but a Real Order;” and after all, Benedict XV had already spoken of “Ordo veri nominis”. This ancient term – we can say medieval – “Order” means nothing more than your intimate belonging to the large Franciscan family. The word “Order” means the participation in the discipline and actual austerity of that spirituality, while remaining in the autonomy typical of your lay and secular condition, which, moreover, often entails sacrifices which are not lesser than those experienced in the religious and priestly life.” (John Paul II, June 14, 1988, General Chapter, SFO)

As a lay order, the SFO "stresses personal holiness first, the second basic but equally essential aim is the personal and social ministry or apostolate.¹" We are not an order of special people or elitists, but we do strive quietly for personal holiness. "Since Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, [Secular Franciscans] should have the deep conviction that, by baptism and profession, they must become like Christ crucified, and follow his Gospel as their rule of life. As they live their lives in the world, they are imbued with the mind and spirit of Christ.¹"

A series of questions were appended to the introductory message for the 2008 SFO General Chapter, and these questions can be used by each professed Secular Franciscan, as a review of what our Order stands for and how you personally "belong" -

By way of pure example, we offer, in the form of questions, other possible tracks for discussion and reflection, it being understood that you have full liberty to develop this preparatory work at your own discretion.

1. To what degree is your being Secular Franciscan an essential part of your life? Is your life in Fraternity only a meeting among many others?

2. What can you do to be more involved in the intimate life of the SFO?

3. Profession by its very nature is a permanent commitment. Do you live it as such?

4. Why, according to you, is the local Fraternity so important in the life of the SFO? To what an extent is your Fraternity helping you to accomplish what your Profession demands of you?

5. Does the Fraternity help you to remain faithful to your Profession and to give you a sense of belonging? To what extent do you yourself work to help the brothers and sisters of your Fraternity to achieve these very same goals?

6. Why did you want to enter the Secular Franciscan Order? What contribution do you give to the SFO by means of your Profession and your presence?

7. To what an extent do you believe that the new Rule has contributed to the changes that have taken place in the way of “feeling” the Order and “being” part of it.

8. Do you believe that the sense of belonging that you live today corresponds genuinely to what the Order truly is, to its “nature” and to its mission? Or does it correspond to something else that belongs to the past or to a personal conception of the Order?

If you think that there is not a sufficient sense of belonging to the Order, what are the reasons, according to you?

1. Lack of formation?

2. Lack of communication?

3. Lack of contributions and sharing?

4. Other?

These questions could be a part of your next Fraternity's discussion. I think they are very important for all SFOs to consider.

Catholic Spirituality consists first of all of Christlike love and forgiveness, community (e.g. "The Body of Christ", and community as in Church, your Parish or your Diocese). It consists of the Sacramental life of the Church. Most committed Catholics go to Sunday Mass, and to Mass on Days of Obligation, perhaps say some daily prayers, the Rosary, and try to keep themselves in line as far as the Ten Commandments, the Church rules, go. But Franciscans have yet another emphasis in their spiritual life, and that is, of course, the Rule of St. Francis. And, other orders will have the Rule of their respective founders. There are different spiritualities but one is not better than the other. None of us are better than the other person because our Lord loves us equally.

To live the Gospel life as Franciscans, there has to be a special communion (union) with Jesus Christ poor and crucified, loving the Father and the Holy Spirit, in brotherhood of all men and women and all creation. We are expected to participate in the life of the Church, be continually set on personal conversion (metanoia), and participate in a life of prayer, be it liturgical, personal or in community as instruments of peace.¹

We often contemplate the form of Jesus on the Cross with St. Francis comforting Him. People have said that in this and similar images, Francis's foot always rests on a skull, and that this is somehow unbecoming... but that's what sacrifice and suffering is all about and that's part and parcel of our Spirituality. Franciscans who look down on the skull and other reminders of suffering must be people who are looking for that styrofoam cross they are seeking to carry. That's unrealistic. The effects of original sin will be with us until our death. Might as well get used to it!

The love we speak of in my humble writings and those I sometimes quote from, stem from Our Lord Jesus Christ. He defined love, and what it is. For He gave us his love by dying for us on the Cross, to give us a second chance to be with him in Paradise forever. Jesus is the first and most important person who gave His life for us. Some people need or thrive on physical, emotional and human love, but that's not the kind of love we're talking about here. The kind of love I'm writing about is unconditional love, love given without seeking something in return. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, bathing, clothing and feeding a human being she found in the gutters of Calcutta - that kind of love. For that is what Our Lord does, He feeds us when we are completely down and out, and He feeds us Manna from Heaven as well as his Grace to carry on as a human being, a person of dignity created in the image and likeness of Himself.

How often, these days, we meet people in the street, whose luck has run out, as they put it - who put up their last stance of defiance and shout at God "What have you done to me?" - and then they curse him. No, God doesn't do anything to us that makes us lose control like that, He only gives us love. It is those who do not love God, who end up in the street, eventually, and they are spiritually deadened to even receive a smidgeon of love and goodness. These would be people, often homeless, and alcoholic, whom we serve in soup kitchens, temporary shelters, and the like. They are also people suffering from AIDS. They need our help too. Physical as well as spiritual help. Many SFOs are involved in those apostolates, as well as in prison ministries, which is an area I'm involved in.

So we realize that God is love, but we also know that our brothers and sisters are loved by Jesus Christ. As Franciscans we must live in a Christ-like manner, telling our brothers and sisters about God's love. It is the Central theme of our mission.

Our Lord gives us Grace. He gives Grace to ALL people. But many are not open to His Grace and thus it is like a seed that falls on concrete. It cannot take hold and nurture and foster into a strong ally in our lives. Grace is totally free. There may be no such thing as a free lunch, but Grace is totally free! The relationship forged by characters in the Bible with Jesus, is what saves them (potentially saved them) from Gehenna. (Hell). Never, please, never turn away God's Grace, His gift to you unless you are hell-bent on destroying yourself. His Grace is the cement, if you will, that keeps us Christ-centered, focused on Him. St. Paul says "Everything is Grace! The love of a man and woman (to each other, and to their children, friends) is but a tiny portion, of God's love for us all. He speaks to us and says "I am the Life, the Good News, come and follow Me!"

In the next reflection on "Seeking Franciscan Perfection," we will dwell more on Jesus today - among us.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #2, 11/01/2008 rev. 2014

References
1. "The Third Order Vocation" Leonard Foley, OFM and Jovian Weigel, OFM.1976 Published by St. John the Baptist Province of the OFM (my writing follows the subjects in this books, but is not a more copy of it).

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 3 - Jesus, today, amongst us.

As I sat in Church this morning, a Tuesday, I began to realize how present and visible Jesus is to us today. We are Church: you may have heard someone say that already. Yes, the Church is a building, but for many, it is still open air. Jesus is the Word made flesh, and that is what we celebrate in this Eucharist, the "sacrament of the encounter with God.¹" God came on earth and was able to be heard because he made himself like us. He was fully human, and yet He was divine. He does not share our sinful heritage with us. Jesus has a mission, defined for Him by the Father. That mission was to redeem us, to make possible life everlasting. He died for the forgiveness of our sins.

In the days of Saint Francis, after Our Lord had called him to begin an Order, young Francis realized that there was a lot of dissatisfaction inside the Church - rebellion, confusion. There was disunity, and Our Lord appeared to Francis and commanded him to go and repair My Church. We understand now that Francis initially took this the wrong way, perhaps, and began to physically repair broken down churches. I think in hindsight we can say that Francis had been directed to repair the rebellion, hypocrisy, dishonesty and lack of unity in the Church. Francis participated in the Fourth Lateran Council. And since St. Francis was given the Gifts of the Spirit, when God commissioned him to do these things, he was bold and totally dedicated to found the Order, to preach the Gospel to those who needed it. But Francis preached largely by example and he and his friars were successful in bringing reform to the Church.

The Franciscan charism is a Gift of the Holy Spirit. Here we have a movement toward Gospel poverty needed for the renewal of the Church. The Holy Spirit is the true "Minister General" of any order in the Church. Vatican II said, "Extraordinary gifts are not to be rashly sought after, nor are the fruits of apostolic labor to be presumptuously expected from them."¹ Our part is to be as open and transparent as possible to whatever the Spirit wishes to effect in us.

"We are called a community of brothers and sisters under one Father, bound together for the sake of Christ and through his love, brothers and sisters in the Spirit, possessed by "Spiritual" love that is greater than any natural love. St. Francis wished to make an addition to the final Rule of 1223; he wanted to say that the Holy Spirit is the true "Minister General" or "Superior" of the whole Order. The canon lawyers patiently explained to him that once the Pope had approved the Rule, no changes could be made. The Spirit is our first "Superior" nevertheless.¹"

St. Francis also had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He considers her the Queen of the Franciscan Order. That is why in the SFO Rule, we find Article 9, "The Virgin Mary, humble servant of the Lord, was open to his every word and call. She was embraced by Francis with indescribable love and declared the protectress and advocate of his family. The Secular Franciscans should express their ardent love for her by imitating her complete self-giving and by praying earnestly and confidently." (SFO Rule) The entire Franciscan family has great devotion to Mary. The center of the Order is the Portiuncula, the little portion, that poor little Church now encased in a Basilica dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels.

As Franciscans we constantly hope to turn to God and away from sin. To sin no more takes enormous self-discipline. The ego must be broken, and that is painful and a penance. As good Catholic children, especially those a few generations ago, moderation in food and drink was still practiced, parents were stricter with their children than they are now. I was raised by my parents in a very strict manner, so that I might learn discipline. But sometimes that is not so good either. When my parents laid down the law, I obeyed. In the long run it had the opposite effect. As I entered adulthood, I became rebellious and went my own way. Of course as I matured I realized my parents had been right. Then penance became conversion. And, self-denial didn't mean giving up a piece of candy, rather, it means giving up my will.

Having been, for almost 7 years, a friar and then a monk, I had to give up my will in a very real way. And is was tough, but I feel I am more prepared and ready to do it on a daily basis now. The only penance that makes sense is "conversion penance."

In the next reflection on "Seeking Franciscan Perfection," we will discuss how St. Francis did penance, especially for conversions.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #3, 10/13/2008, 2014

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 4 - How St. Francis did penance, especially for conversions.

St. Francis lived a strictly disciplined life, a life of asceticism even though he wasn't a monk in the strictest sense of the word. What he experienced was completely different than religious in the current American culture. He fasted and did penance not because he had to, but because he wanted to. He realized in the deepest form that he was a sinner, and that in order to seek Franciscan perfection, he needed to live 100% for Jesus Christ, in total abandonment to anything remotely of comfort and ease.

The American psyche is so completely different that we can scarcely understand what St. Francis went through, as a normal everyday way of life, because we've never, and probably will never come even close.

As a personal aside, I spent a few months shy of five years as a contemplative monk in Massachusetts and later, Florida. I make reference to that fine time often in my writings, because in many ways, it was a time of asceticism and penance, unlike I'd ever thought I'd experience. As a result, I felt closer to our Lord than I ever thought would be possible, and these years proved to be a solid foundation for my later years. What I experienced particularly in Massachusetts, reminds me now of how Francis possibly might have lived. Mine was a time without much heat in wintertime, in an old 100-year old drafty house. I used a cell (that's what monks call their bedrooms), just big enough to hold a narrow bed and a small desk, in a cell with Northwest exposure. It was brutally cold there in winter, like standing outside. The electric blanket helped a little. But St. Francis didn't have electric blankets, and even if he had something remotely like it, I don't think he would have used this convenience. In the days of St. Francis, wintertime Italy could be quite cold, and he had no heat either. He probably didn't have a hot meal most days, and he didn't eat very much. So when present-day friars thank God that life isn't so bare and strict as it was at the time St. Francis was still around, they know what they are talking about. There is a pitfall in all of this, however. The complete 180 degree turn away from penance and asceticism in general, means we are soft. We are no longer hardened to sin and there is more of an opportunity to fall. One of the greatest dangers, there is, I think, for people in religious life these days, is that they become so dedicated to their work (the Apostolate), that times of prayer and community take a back-seat, and the seeking of Franciscan perfection begins to suffer. Unlike Vowed religious, those in lay Orders, such as Secular Franciscans, because of their life in the marketplace, are somewhat shielded from the possibility that prayer and fasting takes a backseat to the work, by nature of their worldly situation, but they too must be on guard to keep up the daily prayer. That means not only 15 minutes in the morning and evening for the appropriate hour of the Liturgy of the Hours, but a fairly constant line of prayer communication with our Lord throughout the day.

So the form of penance we should consider in life is that of atonement and reparation for the sin of the world, abortion, disrespect for and misuse of the Sacred Species, insulting Our Lord through hardened sin, not only in our family circles or extended family, but also of total strangers. Think of the opportunity that presents itself in a National election, where a popular candidate is extremely anti-life. We must ask Our Lord to give good Catholics wisdom and strength to make the right choice, so that the four non-negotiable points aren't violated. Please pray that Catholics do not lose their immortal souls by making a choice that is indefensible before God. Atonement and reparation for the sins of the world. St. Francis said: "There is an enemy we ought not to love, and that is the body. And if we vigorously and ceaselessly fight this enemy, then no other enemy, spiritual or material can hurt us." (Tenth Admonition). It may seem that I'm taking what St. Francis said out of context as he wasn't referring to abortion at that time, but ANY lack of self-discipline can hurt us, and it probably will. All of us experience the urge to excess, the tendency to a mindless and ungoverned use of the flesh in regards of passion and desires. Aborting a living fetus, a person however tiny, is a mortal sin and a sin of excess. It is telling our Lord that we know better, more and that we refuse to accept His love and goodness. And knowing what we are doing (don't tell me that the woman who elects to have an abortion doesn't know, in her heart, what she is doing or about to do), we say "I don't care" and "I am in charge of my destiny." No, God is in charge, then, now and always, and a choice so heartlessly taken will bring much suffering and regret. We need to pray for the reparation and atonement of that wanton act of neglect, of murder. Somebody has to, so let it be the religious and those in lay orders. Making atonement, suffering as penance, yes even some people who are suffering souls, is the path to Franciscan perfection, and in the truest sense it is laying down ones life for his/her brother or sister.

"The only valid atonement a Christian can contemplate is that of Christ. He alone saves us. He alone makes reparation to the goodness and holiness of God for the offense and damage of sin. He does so by his perfect and childlike love and trust in His Father. In him all the wreck and ruin of human life can be repaired, restored for life, "made up for.¹"

Any accident that befalls us, penance that comes by way of sickness, terrible suffering, a 45-year old man dying of incurable cancer, a person who has three strokes in one week, a family who loses their home to fire or a financial mishap, as terrible as these things are, such accidents in the normal progression of life should not be considered a "punishment" from God. God doesn't punish in this way. God does not punish at all, for that He loves us too much. It is mankind, men and women, who when faced with hardship sometimes see a parallel between "hard times" as a result of too soft a life previous to that. I can't explain that, and I am not even sure hardship is a result of some mishap in life, but God didn't cause the pain, that I am very sure of.

As we come closer to our Lord through years and years of penance, self-control over sin, with His help, of course, there comes a time of spiritual bonding to Our Lord, a wonderful time of inner peace and joy. It is not really a matter of a particular length of time, rather, it is an inner disposition for some time that makes us receptive to God's special Graces. He wants us to come closer to Him, but we have to be open to that. Sin closes the window, so to speak. Sin is a partial blockage of that eye of the needle we all need to go through at one point or another in life (cf. Mt. 19:24). Sin is the obstacle between God and ourselves and we initiate this breakdown (God does not) when we lose control of our egos. God doesn't need to punish us, because punishment is already included in the sin we commit. So accept the pain, and repent.

Penance is conversion, self discipline and "co-atonement¹" with Christ. Perhaps in light of these words we can understand why depictions of St. Francis comforting Our Lord on the Cross have such great meaning to us. He suffered with Christ, as we do too, when we co-atone with Him for the sin of this world.

The road of atonement, reparation and suffering in general can be very bitter and many will break down from time to time for some more unneeded and generally unnecessary relapse into a sinful state no matter how brief. Thank God we have the Sacrament of confession, for we have the opportunity to begin again. That reminds me of a story of two young teenagers chatting one day about confession. One said to the other, we can do this or that (referring to something sinful), all we have to do is confess it and then we can do it again! That's lying to God - it just doesn't work that way. When we receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, we promise to atone for our sins and do it no more, and we mean it. To our Lord even the tiniest infraction causes Him pain on the Cross! It continues to hurt Him day after day.

We are a sinful people. Part and parcel of Original Sin makes us so. We are prone to failure, because we are weak! We have no guts, no intestinal fortitude to say, "Yes God, I will sin no more!" So avoid sin, do not place yourself into a near occasion of sin. Avoid hanging around with friends who can sway us into areas of sin. If you are serious about God, you know as well as I do, what to do to avoid sin at all costs. When you love God you do not sin, and when you still sin you do not love Him enough. St. Bonaventure is supposed to have said that, and it is true. It is even logical, it makes total sense. (I have never seen the citation that attributes those words to the Saint but someone told me that is what he said.)

Jesus, when He was born of the Virgin Mary, he was poor. He could have been born in an elaborate royal palace, but he chose to be born in a stable, a trough for animal feeding. His first audience were, of course, his parents on earth, Joseph and Mary, the animals, such as perhaps a cow, a donkey, some sheep and some shepherds. How do we know this? Well, first of all, Holy Scripture tells us so, but our own Saint Francis, popularized the setting up of a Christmas crib as a reminder of this great happening, this supreme Grace that befell us at that time in history, where our Lord became one of us, a man of human stature, named Jesus of Nazareth. St. Francis re-enacted the scene at that stable in the crib at Creccio, in a most beautiful way. And when the Angel Gabriel announced that Mary would have a son, conceived by the Holy Spirit, we all celebrate the "Annunciation" which was, in fact, the point of Conception. That is why we believe that life begins at the moment of conception. Maybe some day the rest of the world will get that message too. We hope and pray.

St. Francis talks about "Lady Poverty," and Francis lived a life of poverty and desolation in emulation of Our Lord. He said: "Only Lady Poverty could go all the way with Christ, following him even up on the cross in total deprivation and nakedness before the Father." Let us pray that we will come before the father in deprivation and nakedness, when we are judged, without the added baggage of sin that will define our course - life with Him in eternity, or the other way. The other way is too awful to contemplate. We pray for His mercy and forgiveness.

In the next reflection on "Seeking Franciscan Perfection," we will discuss how some of the aspects of poverty Secular Franciscans can routinely practice to stay closer to the Franciscan ideal, and we'll also speak about humility.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #4, 11/01/2008, 2014

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 5 - aspects of poverty Secular Franciscans can routinely practice

Secular Franciscans can practice poverty by avoiding luxury in food, dress, unhealthy competition between neighbors for unneeded items (a bigger lawnmower so one can brag to the neighbor you have the best!). Avoid the seeking of idols in material things. It is better to have less, rather than more. You know why the wealthy are often very lonely and unhappy? It is because they have things rather than God on their side. In their luxurious way of life, God is not welcome anymore, and that's tragic. Of course there are many people with some financial means who understand the need for practicing Franciscan poverty - and I am sure there are a number of those amid our Franciscan sisters and brothers.

It has always struck me, how generous and joyful many poor people are. They manage to cope on nothing, because they know their worth: God's love and His protection always. Free and unrestrained indulgence in material things is not our style. Secular Franciscans studiously avoid such a situation.

Wanting more is vanity. It is not necessary to have the fastest car, when it is clear that traffic lights prevent one from getting there any faster than the less speedy model. Although I drive relatively fast (I mean, I am no slowpoke), when there are people who zig-zag through traffic to get to the head of the pack, and then meet me at the next red traffic light, I cringe - because in their zeal they place me and every other driver in peril. And they do not get to the destination faster at all. It is vanity. So let us avoid extremes. I'll be off to the General Chapter, soon (having been invited by CIOFS as I am their webmaster), and living in Florida I did not have a proper winter coat. The coat I bought with Gore-Tex™ and Thinsulate™ set me back around $180, and I felt bad about that... A $50 coat would have sufficed, but the problem is that in Florida, second-hand stores usually do not have heavy winter wear at this time of year. Maybe in March and April, but even then, I did not see anything useful in my size. The General Chapter is held in Hungary this year, where it is very cold and snowy in November.

I have spent money foolishly. I'm spending money, at times, that I do not have, using credit cards and that is very un-Franciscan, and it gets one into trouble eventually. How I manage to make ends meet on Social Security is a mystery to me, and I thank Our Lord for his help and love.

Secular Franciscans exercising poverty should be thrifty and frugal! And, we should be teaching our children these practices. Remember, you can't take it with you, when Our Lord calls you to Himself - so keep your life simple.

"St. Francis, in his simple wisdom, saw poverty and humility as twins.¹" Humility is often called the foundation of all virtues. Read over the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5:3 ff.), these words from the mouth of Jesus are the definition of the humble. How happy are they who realize that they who admit absolute poverty before God see everything as a Gift. And then we are grateful to Our Lord for Him.

Nothing can exist without God. Jesus said, "Of myself, I do nothing" (Jn.8,28). Mary speaks of her lowliness. But we are far from worthless. How could we be, since we are made in the image of Our Lord?

It is good to have some ego-strength as the psychologists call the application of inner worth in everyday life. But it is bad when it is all ego and there is no humility involved. All ego results in pride. The humble person guards against that. Like two people talking, and the one says to the other, "I can do anything I set my mind to." And the other comes back with "Try walking on water!" There is a lot we aren't capable of, so stop saying you can! God is like us in everything except sin - try walking on water and you'll quickly see that there are exceptions!

Some people feel that if they are humble, people will try to take advantage of them. First of all, so what!? Who cares, right? And secondly, one can be humble but no one needs to be a "doormat." One should gently stop others from walking over you! Gently, is the key. You're low man/woman on the office staff - that doesn't mean that you go out every day to get coffee for the gang ... that's an example of being used. Excessively. People say, I could lose my job if I complain... no you won't!!! Just don't be angry as you say something about it. Be gentle as Jesus is gentle.

Jesus, gentle and humble of heart, make my heart like onto thine. - This is an old prayer, and one that is still very valid today. If we all had a sense of His gentleness and humility there would be less evil in this world!

St. Francis was a humble man. His expression "Go preach and use words if necessary," is a reflection to his humility. Likewise, his explanation to Brother Leo of what is perfect Joy, these are the words of a humble man. "With St. Paul, the only thing Francis would take "pride" in was the "cross of Christ.¹"

Franciscans do not judge other people. This is a very, very important point in our spirituality! It is so easy, as the world so often does, to judge people by their diseases, life conditions, spending habits, language usages, without showing any appreciation of the inner person. We all have in common that we were born and that we will, someday, die. What clothes we will wear in life, what we will do for a living, and all the frills of living - is completely immaterial; it just isn't important. What IS important is how we live that life, what we do for other people and how we serve Our Lord! Only God judges, we should not. As St. Bonaventure said: "I must consider myself below others, not because I am certain that I am, but because I am more certain of my unworthiness than I am of theirs.¹"

Not judging people is terribly difficult for some. Let me give you an example especially fitting to today's culture. Many people have AIDS or are HIV-positive. That's horrible for them, for they are not looking forward to a long life. Morality, teaches us to repel the sin of homosexuality, which is known to be a possible cause of AIDS. It becomes so easy then to equate homosexuality with all people having AIDS, and form a mass-judgment. No, that is simple un-Franciscan. You will see Franciscans working amid people with AIDS spreading only God's love without resorting to judgment and disdain. If you cannot do this - then you cannot be a Franciscan, for our Lord told us to love our Sisters and Brothers as we do ourselves. We abhor the sin, but we love the person, as Jesus Christ does. And, Christians who love God, emulate Our Lord!

I'm involved in Prison Ministry. I am aware that the people I am ministering to are often murderers, thieves, and are awaiting trial for rape, incest, etc., and other crimes against humanity. At the point in time that I am with an inmate, the only thing I see is Our Lord hanging on the Cross. There are no side issues, no condemnation. Of course I abhor what some of these folks got themselves into, but judgment isn't mine to make!

Franciscans are known as the "Lesser Brothers" - the little people, and we who are Lay Franciscans need to follow up on that concept. Our body, soul, and God's grace within us is a marvelous Gift of Our Lord! Everything that I have is a Gift from God. I know my own sin, but I do not know the sins of others, so I cannot judge them. They deserve my help and support. Humility is Truth. The Gifts of Our Lord to me are a privilege, not a right, and I am thankful for them.

In the next reflection on "Seeking Franciscan Perfection," we will discuss some of the practical aspects of chastity for adults and the young.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #5, 11/01/2008, 2014

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 6 - Some practical aspects of chastity for adults and the young.

Chastity is one of the "evangelical virtues" for those who take vows, and it is equally important for Secular Franciscans. All human persons, male and female, are sexual. There's no escaping this because it is a part of the biology of the human species. Without sex, it simply is not possible to generate new life, with the miraculous exception of the Virgin Mary who conceived without an intimate relationship with a man. She was also conceived without original sin.

Chastity is a virtue based on Catholic morality and the Church's teaching which seeks to bring order to sexuality according to God's Will. "In marriage, it integrates the full use and enjoyment of sexual powers with the unselfish and reverential relationship of love between husband and wife. In the single life, it moderates and guides a man or woman's life as sexual while abstaining from genital sexuality. In either case, it is respect, born of faith, for all persons as body-spirit temples of the Holy Spirit.¹"

In the climate of this century, where sex seems to have lost its true meaning (prurient media, TV, movies, etc.) to a Hollywood version of it that has absolutely no respect for the human body or for God, we live in an extremely dangerous moral quagmire. I need not tell you what this does to the impressionable young, teen-agers, young adults - it sets a very poor example.

Having been single all my life, I can speak to that subject from first-hand knowledge. I remained single because up until 1996, I kept realizing a vocation to religious life and I was a religious from that year until 2002. During that time, and at my own wish, I made a Vow of Obedience and Chastity, and so it is not likely that I would marry anytime soon. Sometimes, it is a burden, but most of the time, keeping this special promise to Our Lord, brings much joy. There are, however, many single people who, for reasons of their own, remain single. Unfortunately, there are some people who then suspect that a single male (in particular) is gay. Usually nothing could be further from the truth, and such characterizations are un-Christian to say the least. All people have a right to determine whether to marry, or remain single, and no inference of any kind should be drawn from that.

As for sexuality in general, people are seriously tempted to do things that are sinful or nearly so. Again, custody of the senses helps us discern which way to go. Sexual gratification for the sake of sex is wrong, for we cannot view others as a "thing." We were created in the image and likeness of God. Act accordingly! How you conduct your love-life is none of anyone's business, except God! If you love God, you'll do what is right!

Secular Franciscans who are committed to the service of the Church, living from Gospel to life, and life to Gospel, will think twice before setting one foot into the abyss. It is strange and wonderful at the same time, but when I am poised to do something sinful, (with full knowledge) I get all flushed and a great fear comes over me. It is wonderful, because when I get that reaction, it is easy to discern that the contemplated action is not healthy for me, so I don't do it! Not withstanding, I am no angel, and I know I am just as prone to falling as everyone else is.

Be strong. Have sound and healthy relationships within Marriage of one MAN to one WOMAN. Our Lord will reward you in Heaven!

What about all these people who sputter and snort about "The Church can't tell me what to do", etc. When people already say that, it is a sign that they are walking on quicksand, and that they need help. Try talking to them, and perhaps something can be salvaged.

The greatest group of Catholics are not the Catholic Faith, but the people who are "Fallen away Catholics - it is from them, often, that the above reaction could come from, or will more likely come from. Many go to Mass only at Easter and Christmas, often receiving Communion, calling themselves Catholic - it's a shame, that they cannot see reality.

I pray for people who are beset with unrest, caused by an out of order view toward sexuality, that they may be healed and find peace in their lives, again.

In the next reflection on "Seeking Franciscan Perfection," we will discuss Obedience.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #6, 11/01/2008, 2014

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 7 - Obedience

In this part, I would like to reflect on the evangelical virtue of Obedience. Obedience is the most important of virtues, without Obedience all other endeavor will go wrong. "St. Francis founded an Order of brothers. But he founded it on the rock of obedience for two important reasons: 1. That by absolute and unquestioning loyalty to the Church, the order might avoid the shipwreck of heresy into which other movements fell; 2. that his brothers and sisters might have, with poverty and chastity, the third great means of purifying and liberating self-denial―the giving up of one's own will under the Rule.¹"

"Lay Franciscans (SFO) do not, of course, take a vow of obedience. The Rule and Constitution do not, of themselves, bind under pain of sin. But, by their spirit of obedience, all Lay Franciscans can benefit from the counsel of obedience.¹"

As an ex-Monk, I have practiced strict obedience, and by my own choice I continue to do so, having made a private Vow of obedience and chastity. Chances are that if I had never been a monk, I never would have made these private Vows. Nevertheless, my personal opinion is that obedience and also frugality and chastity, are very important consideration in the lives of Secular Franciscans. Here are some examples where and how these counsels can be useful.

The Holy Father is really the supreme director of the SFO and of the entire Franciscan Order. For that matter, he is the supreme director of ALL Orders in the Catholic Church. We should pray for our Pope, as he is the successor of St. Peter, the first Pope, and thus the Vicar of Christ on earth. We should be obedient to him. And, we should not only support him but all the laws and teachings of the Magisterium, the bishops of our Church. (Bishops are the successors of the Apostles.) We should extend great reverence for all the clergy and work with them in every way.

In our own Order, we are governed by a Fraternity Minister and his/her Councillors, and those ministers of Regional, National and International levels. We have a Minister General, Mrs. Encarnation del Pozo, OSF (she comes from Madrid, Spain), but is frequently in Rome where the SFO maintains a business office, staffed by 3 or more people. The International Council goes by the name CIOFS -“Consilium Internationale - Ordo Franciscanus Saecularis.”(Latin).

When CIOFS sends out a directive, be it an amendment to the Constitution or Statutes, or in one of the "Circulars," there is the presumption that the directives in question will be obeyed by the Professed in the Order. That is obedience. And, of course, obedience should be in the Spirit of Saint Francis. "Obedience means simply "giving oneself to the cause." This cause being the Church's mission to live and preach[/evangelize] the Gospel. By obedience we make ourselves available to the Church for whatever she needs.¹"

Let me speak for a few moments on the "Spirit and Practice of Prayer." Thomas Celano in his Life of St. Francis tells us that "St Francis became a living prayer." Unfortunately, we get a bad example when we look to the world for the meaning of love. Too many married couples find themselves divorced before they knew what happened. And, we have taken the attitude that nothing is permanent. But Our Lord is looking to receive from us a long-lasting agreement or commitment of love. Regretfully, there are Secular Franciscans who do not uphold a permanent relationship with the Order (they drop out), and one wonders if these same people will also renege on their relationship with Our Lord. Please pray for these sisters and brothers, if you know any, for their speedy return to the fold.

Prayer is a personal conversation with God. And, generally the accepted format of prayer is "petition, intercession, adoration and contemplation" although some praise Our Lord for His Holiness, love and might, then thank Our Lord first for all He has done for us, thirdly, ask for intercession, and lastly contemplation. In any case, do not be like some people, barely thanking Him, and immediately say "Give me" - that seems improper to me. But that's just my opinion. Prayer is very personal, and it is between you and God, or rather, between God and you, for prayer is a Gift of God. Prayer is not study. And, when we ask God a question, we should listen for an answer. If you don't do this now, don't worry, it will come with time. His voice is very calm and very quiet. The more you pray, meditate or be open to contemplation, the more familiar you will become with him, until some day, you will feel completely comfortable with Him... and your relationship will take on a form of intimacy as if with a dearest friend. Satan doesn't like this, of course, and you will find that the closer you come to God, the more the devil tends to bother you. However, when the devil sees that there is nothing else to be gained from you, he will leave you alone or at least for longer periods of time. But make no mistake about it, you are always vulnerable as long as you doubt God's love and commandments.

Christ's presence will be keenly felt when you form this close bond with Him. Then I can eventually say, "I live, now not I, but Christ lives in me."

In the next reflection on "Seeking Franciscan Perfection," we will discuss this in greater detail in light of the liturgy, the Eucharist and our Prayer (the Divine Office).

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #7, 11/01/2008, 2014

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 8 - Liturgy, the Eucharist and our Prayer

We have come to the part about prayer, and specifically, how Our Lord joins us to His prayer: the Liturgy.

Jesus continues his saving work, today, through the "Body", the Church. We are the body of Christ - the Holy Father, the clergy and the faithful. To unite all these different groups, within the Church, to contribute to Him who is the pinnacle of Perfect Prayer, we, the Church gathers around Him. We pray together with Him in the Liturgy, specifically the Sacrifice of the Mass, and the Divine Office.

"Every liturgical celebration (Eucharist, the other sacraments, the Divine Office, sacramentals) is an action of Christ the priest and of His Body, the Church. In Liturgy, full public worship is performed by the Mystical Body of Jesus, by the Head and its members.¹"

Christ is always present in Church, but especially in Liturgical Celebrations. Catholics know that He is there, during the Sacrifice of the Mass, in Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, a Gift of Himself to us. He is present when an infant (or older person) is baptized, receives the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and when we pray or sing in community. He said: "Where two or three are gathered together for my sake, there am I in the midst of them." (Mt. 18:20)

So when Franciscans meet as a community or fraternity, Jesus is there amongst us! Your SFO fraternity by its Canonical Approbation is a part of the Church, and when we meet in community, we are on Holy Ground because Jesus is there with us. Jesus did not specify that "where two or three are gathered together" need to be in a church building, only that the meeting or gathering is for His sake. As Franciscans we certainly meet for the Glory and Honor of God.

"Vatican II reminded us that the liturgy is the outstanding means by which the faithful can express in their lives and manifest to others the mystery of Christ and the real nature of the Church.¹"

The Eucharist is a "mystery" because we take much of this Liturgy on Faith. As we attend Holy Mass daily, we will eventually learn its depth of beauty and Grace. "O Holy Banquet, in which Christ is received, the memory of his Passion is renewed, our spirit is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given us.¹" (from the Mass Liturgy)

The Divine Office, also part of Liturgical Prayer, is important to us as Franciscans. The religious orders are obliged to pray The Liturgy of the Hours; members of the SFO are privileged to join the religious in the daily praying of the Hours, in full if they so desire, but at least the Morning and Evening Hours. It was St. Francis' wish that his sisters and brothers pray the Divine Office. He told them: "Their aim should be to please God by purity of heart, not to soothe the ears of the congregation by their sweet singing." For many years, lay Franciscans were encouraged to say the Office of the Twelve Our Fathers, Hail Mary's and Glorys. And later, or more recently, it was recommended to us that we pray the Liturgy of the Hours as our friars do, or, the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin. And, there is also, as you know, a simplified Office one can use.

The Liturgy of the Hours is very important, as it is not a private prayer but the prayer of the Church. As we pray, somewhere, at the same minute, another priest, friar, sister, brother, lay person, will be praying the same prayer, whether in English or some other language, in all parts of the world, in and outside of the Franciscan family. So it becomes an unbroken chain of prayer for the glory and honor of God. Also, by praying or singing these prayers, we commit time to be in a more visible way with Jesus. Praying is being with Jesus as He is with us, honoring His Presence in our lives, praising Him all day long.

Prayer is also supplication, that is, praying for other people, specific people, even for ourselves, and these prayers are heard by Our Lord. "The Liturgy of the Hours spreads out over the many hours of the day the praise and thanksgiving of the Eucharist ... The Liturgy of the Hours is in itself a preparation for the Eucharist since it enkindles and nourishes those attitudes which are necessary for the beneficial Eucharistic celebration: a spirit of faith, hope, love, devotion and sacrifice.¹"

Many people (particularly, the laity) have problems with structured prayer. If this is the case, and sometimes I feel that way, I pray three Psalms of my own choosing and some other prayers, and I think that's fine too, but most of the time I stick to the prescribed prayers. I love to sing, and sing in three different Church choirs, the regular Adult Choir (8:45AM Sunday Mass, and Midnight Mass at Christmas), the Celebration Choir (special occasions), and the Resurrection Choir (2-3 funerals per week, time permitting). You all know that "He who sings prays twice" - I love singing, so even when I am alone, I may spontaneously break out in song. To me that's a way of thanking Our Lord for the talents He has given me. Many more people know me, then the other way around, what they know is my voice - and many times on the street someone will ring out a "Good Morning," or "Hi," and I have no idea who they are, but they know me. Praise God!

As beautiful and functional as shared prayer is, it should not make us appear overly pious or "with it," that's especially true in singing - we do not give a performance - our sole aim is praising God in song. Shared prayer is wonderful, but personal prayer, one-on-one with Jesus, with the Blessed Virgin, and the Saints - in that "inner room," is very, very important. A nurtured spiritual life with Our Lord brings us closer to His heart, and that spiritual bond will carry us with Him into Heaven, if we also strive not to sin. Striving for Perfection is not only recommended, but it seems to be what God wishes us to do.

As Franciscans, our Seraphic Father and founder, St. Francis, has given us a very practical Rule which we strive to follow as best as we can. Read the Introduction, again, if you will, the "Prologue: Exhortation of St. Francis to the Brothers and Sisters of Penance (circa 1210-1215)
Concerning Those Who Do Penance" - where we read: "Oh, how happy and blessed are these men and women when they do these things and persevere in doing them, because the spirit of the Lord will rest upon them and he will make his home and dwelling among them, and they are the sons of the heavenly Father, whose works they do, and they are the spouses, brothers, and mothers of our Lord Jesus Christ."

In the next part, I will write a little about Family Life / Fraternity Life. I have been writing these parts with the help of the Holy Spirit, about two parts a week. Speed is not of the essence but continuity is, and it is difficult for me to get back into a writing project after much time has elapsed. May the Lord bless you, and give you peace.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #8, 11/01/2008, 2014

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 9 - Family Life / Fraternity Life.

We have come to the part about Family Life / Fraternity Life. Family Life is the central focus of our existence on earth. All of us, well, most of us, were born into a loving family, consisting of one man and one woman who loved each other, and thus were eager to have children. Similarly, the Secular Franciscan Order milieu is also Family, but here we have the Father, in Heaven, Our Lady, Queen of the Franciscan Order, our Mother, and Jesus Christ, our brother, and it is around this family that the Franciscan Family feels at home. Saint Francis of Assisi and all the Franciscan Saints and Blessed, of whom there are many, are very special to us; they are a part of our family. Let us not forget our sisters and brothers who have gone to be with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, to their reward in Heaven. They are good intercessors in prayer for those in the fraternities in which they served.

Today, many teenagers no longer are able to recognize their home-life as that of a normal family. Many who are in jails and prisons, has lost hope because they have no family circle to look forward to. Before the onset of television, the family still was more or less together; afterward, TV and Computers pull siblings in all directions - they no longer seem to speak to one another. A devout family that prays together is a "little church", "where the Gospel takes root in the most intimate of personal relationships; man-wife, parent-child. The group of persons that comes together around the Eucharist is--or is trying to be--a community."

Our parents are our first teachers of the Faith. My parents gave me a strict-Catholic upbringing, and throughout life I have never forgotten their influence. They passed away in 1963 and 1983, and I still recall from fondly. It is sad in so many families that parents are not recalled in a good light.

I never went to CCD in USA, since my Confirmation took place overseas, but I think I was as well or better prepared than most. Part of that excellence in teaching was at the behest of the religious brothers and sisters who taught when I was young.

Now the Fraternity life is somewhat like this. We are a family that meets once a month or more often and we participate in apostolates, backed up by the community. Just as in the family, there is a certain intimacy between us, specifically the unity of striving for Franciscan Perfection. We do not live in a vacuum. "The essence of Christianity is to love God and neighbor and self as Christ did and by the power of the Holy Spirit."

A very important consideration here: I cannot love others if I do not love myself! There are many who have forgotten how to love self so as not to exclude others. They love things, material things, and they do not love God. They are habitual sinners. I realize that I am preaching to the choir, as our Secular Franciscans do everything possible to strive for perfection.

But we all sin and we need absolution. So we pray, and Franciscans pray a lot. "Forgive us as we forgive all others. Franciscans do not hold grudges, we do not seek revenge. We are not playing the blame game. We strive to treat everyone equally. Thus freed from matters that could drag us down, we can be honest with each other, in community, and loving to all. But the love we have for one another is never emotional love. It is spiritual love. Living the Gospel, we try to be Christ to everyone. Following St. Francis of Assisi is a privilege, a gift of God. "Being Christ is not only giving of one's life on the cross. It is ordering food for a little girl just raised from the dead, asking for drink of water because the Samaritan woman needed his healing, being concerned about the embarrassment of a bride and groom at Cana, and putting his arms around the little children."

Many people have lost their faith. That includes people within the Franciscan family as well as lay people. Franciscans are less likely to lose their faith if they live in community or fraternity. But once they go it alone, and the "community" or "family" fades from the picture, they could be in trouble. I listened to a homily by the Vocation Director of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida, Fr. Yves Franois, last evening, he told us, there was no Vocation Crisis in the Diocese. There is, however a Faith Crisis - Our Lord keeps calling people to become priests, deacons and religious, but people lack the Faith in Him to accept that calling, that vocation, and parents of teenagers seeking to go in that direction, have other plans for their children that often do not include God. A Vocation not answered is very sad, because when God calls for us to serve Him in this special way, this is a great Gift to us. So even if parents have the best of intentions, some have stopped going to Holy Mass, and any call from God is like the seed that falls by the wayside.

The United States of America, in a few days, will elect a new President. We humbly ask God's help, that the outcome of this election won't be what we fear the most, a total loss of the respect for Life, in a government that has not shown it cares much. We don't know what will happen in the long run, we can only pray this will not become a worse bloodbath than it already is, with 45 million (plus) infants aborted since 1973's Roe v. Wade. That is a National scandal. It fills me with fear and horror. Part of my family was eliminated by the Nazi murderers in World War II; my Mother and I were in a camp and all this was directed by Adolf Hitler whose policy for the Third Reich was to purify it from unwanted races (the six million (plus) Jews, murdered in cold blood). Aren't we doing the same thing - in fact, when we eliminate infants, when we abrogate life by the millions? I know, it is a terrible comparison, but to me it is a compelling argument, that the unwanted infants are just killed as if they were biological specimens, undesired, therefore without merit. But they are creatures made in the image and likeness of God - from the moment of Conception to Natural Death! And they deserve our love and support, not the back of our hand! Let us, as a family, pray that this abomination will stop. Only with God's help it can cease, and for this we pray every day.

We see Christ in others, this applies to everyone but especially to Franciscans, whose Franciscan Rule includes strong emphasis on the respect we must have for all others. Franciscans have always championed Peace and Justice issues. Franciscans International (an NGO to the United Nations), and Franciscan Action Network were created to report on and action Peace and Justice in Creation issues, globally.

"Secular Franciscans, therefore, should seek to encounter the living and active person of Christ in their brothers and sisters, in Sacred Scripture, in the Church, and in liturgical activity. The faith of Saint Francis, who often said " I see nothing bodily of the Most High Son of God in this world except his most holy body and blood," should be the inspiration and pattern of their Eucharistic life." (Art. 5, SFO Rule)

The above article of our Rule speaks for itself. That's what it's all about, loving our sisters and brothers, not only other Franciscans, but everyone!

Can we really see Christ in Others?

"Obviously, I cannot see Christ in someone's rage and anger, selfishness, laziness, cruelty, stubbornness, etc. And since most of us have at least a smidgeon of all of these, isn't this ideal of seeing Christ in others just that−an ideal, and a rather distant one at that?"

"We are sure, theoretically, that it is not an impossible ideal, but it remains the difficult virtue of the Christian life since it involves faith, forgiveness and a refusal to judge others. True love is not divisible. Genuine love of God implies love of neighbor and self; genuine love of neighbor and self can only come out of a love of God."

In Part 10 of this series, I will reflect on Justice. Justice is a matter of taking charity and love seriously.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #9, 11/01/2008, 2014

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 10 - Justice

"Justice is the first requirement of Charity." It is impossible to provide Justice without love. Many people think that Justice miraculously appears when the throw money at it. Sure, money helps, but that's not what it's all about! Love is absolute! It is not replaceable. Social Justice is an enormous field, in the sense that there is so much deep-rooted apathy toward people by governments, and other political and social bodies, that there are literally millions of people who do not have the basic necessities of life. St. Francis of Assisi was a social reformer, a fact that no one thinks of, and the SFO - Third Order, is itself a great instrument of reform. In seeking Franciscan Perfection, we urge all to welcome all people, not just in your fraternity, but in all aspects of society. If we are to be Christ-like, we are color-blind, that is, we love people regardless of color, social upbringing, marital status, religion, etc. "Justice is a matter of taking charity seriously. If we are with the Church as Francis was, then we will be challenged by the clear call to action given by Pope Paul and the Bishops at the 1971 Synod "Action on Behalf of Justice and participation in the transformation of the world fully appear to us as a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the Gospel." In other words, action for Justice is one of the elements that constitutes the proclamation of the Good News. If it is missing, the Gospel is crippled."

General reference: "Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church" 2006, Pope John Paul II (The Compendium lists many references that can be useful to us - also see other references (2) below.

Many people would like to do good to other people but do not know where to begin. The Popes in their encyclicals tell us that we must try to produce a morally better society and, also, we must try to produce a society whose institutions are better. (cf.) The efforts of Franciscans International "Franciscans International is a non-governmental organization (NGO) with General Consultative status at the UN, uniting the voices of Franciscan brothers and sisters from around the world. They operate under the sponsorship of the Conference of the Franciscan Family (CFF) and serve all Franciscans and the global community by bringing spiritual, ethical, and Franciscan values to the United Nations and international organizations."

There is a newer effort, the Franciscan Action Network (FAN).

Part 11 continues Part 10 on various additional aspects of Justice, particularly Social Justice.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #10, 11/01/2008, 2014

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 11 - Additional aspects of Justice, particularly Social Justice

In this part, I will speak on Social Justice. In a Vision Paper by the Damietta Initiative, a Franciscan Initiative of the Capuchin Order, they wish to have an African Continent that is
non-violent, tolerant, conciliatory, respectful towards all creatures, and environmentally sustainable. A continent that respects the dignity of difference while revitalizing the spiritual search for values that will enable it to shape multiple “dialogues of a civilization” and non-violent alternatives to prophecies of impending clashes. They seek to awaken religious imagination among peoples in Africa to think of a future culture of peace permeating the continent. In this vision of Africa, every church, every mosque, every synagogue, every temple and other sites of worship will be dedicated to the embodiment of nonviolence in terms of tolerance, reconciliation and respect for creation.

Social Justice is the means to bring equal rights to all persons, all over the world, and as the Franciscan orders state that all people are to be regarded with dignity and love, Franciscans have a definite stake in the field of Social Justice.

Urbanization in the USA has dispersed inner-city employment, resulting in a lot of inner-city poverty and unemployment. To provided for inner-city people, many Catholic and, particularly, Franciscan Churches are involved in inner-city feeding programs for the poor and unemployed. This is particularly the case in large cities, such as Detroit, New York City, Chicago, etc.

Young People (Youths) in Inner-city environments are often involved with Cults and Gangs, and participate in the illegal use of drugs. From such use come higher crime rates. Franciscans and also diocesan clergy are hard at work with programs for Youths. That's even the case in smaller towns, where young people may be involved with "Youth on a Mission" and similar programs.

We're trying to provide equal treatment for women in the workplace, equal pay for the same work done as men. They are still being discriminated against in cultural, economic, political and social life.

Getting a just wage for the work performed - some employers consistently pay minimum wage, and in sure areas of the world, well below that.

There is still Racial Discrimination in some parts of USA and in the world in general. That is a Social Injustice that we must seek to solve.

Illegal Immigrants are a big problem in USA. Someone said the other day, we don't have 12 Million handcuffs - if we cannot deport them, then we have to find some way to keep them. The Catholic Church believes they should be protected and be treated with dignity.

Employment in USA has been sent overseas because labor costs are much cheaper in China, and other Far East countries. We have to find a way to bring some of this employment back to USA so that all workers who are not working now can find a job.

The Environment is in awful shape, Global Warming mostly caused by man, pollution and waste, and as a result bad diseases, cancer, new illnesses. We have an obligation to try to solve some of these tragic concerns. Going "Green" is a responsibility we should all take seriously.

So we have a lot of work to do. The Catholic Church in a Synod of 1971 developed an important position paper on the Church's tradition on Social Justice, entitled "The Practice of Justice" (Pope Paul VI).

Blessed Are the Peace-Makers
"St. Francis [of Assisi] lived the beatitudes of our Lord. "Blessed are the poor in spirit" was the wellspring of his sanctity. "Blessed are the Peace-Makers" was the light of his apostolate. Because these words were in the Gospel, he wanted them to be a special rule of life for all this brothers and sisters. Since the time of Francis, the greeting of Franciscans has been "Pax et Bonum!" "Peace and all good things to you!" "Peace and Goodness!" The memory of Francis can add a rich warmth to this greeting among Franciscans.¹"

Franciscans wear their habits. The priest and brothers (friars) wear a long habit with a white cord or cincture (or a Roman Collar and suit, when traveling in a secular country). Franciscan sisters wear habits too, and Secular Franciscans traditionally wear a TAU Cross. Since many other people also wear these crosses as pendants, not every wearer of this symbol is necessarily a Franciscan, but at least we can evangelize that we do follow the Rule of Saint Francis.

The reason I bring this up, however, is to emphasize that by wearing these garbs and/or symbols, we have an obligation which we have humbly accepted, to see that all peoples are treated in a Socially Just manner. So one can ask a Franciscan, what have you done lately, for the downtrodden?

We should make a special effort in this area of ministry or apostolate, be is as individuals or as fraternal groups. There is one thing we can do, all of us. If we see an unjust situation which cries for resolution, we can try to seek such a resolution or pass the problem on to higher authority, either some form of government, or prayer for the cause! We can always pray, and very often that is the best solution.

In the 12th Part of this series, I will reflect on Fraternal charity and other considerations.

May you have joy in your heart and prayer on your lips.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #11, 11/07/2008, 2014

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Seeking Franciscan Perfection
A Reflection on the Franciscan Life by Fred Schaeffer, SFO

Part 12 - Fraternal charity, Repair my Church, Setting a Good Example.

Fraternal Charity happens all over the place, not just at Fraternity Meetings. We are brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ, and through Him with all who live around us, our acquaintances, our family, the guy who delivers the mail, the lady at the bank, the person in the street, the laborer who is digging a drainage ditch, the astronaut, the senator or congressperson (even though we may not be happy with them at the moment) and yes, even President-Elect Barack Obama. We are brothers or sisters to those whose lifestyle we cannot accept, well, you get the idea. In our universal and global setting, you are my brother or sister. (the base of the word: Fraternal - comes from frater, (L.) which means brother)!

Most people, except perhaps devout Christians and Franciscans, will say one of two things to such a statement. They'll say "Get real," or they'll say something I cannot repeat here, in derision - because the concept of "universal brotherhood" hasn't taken yet in this world of ours. Up till now we've failed miserably to demonstrate brotherhood, although there are some notable exceptions. Take Mother Teresa of Calcutta, now a "Blessed" in the Church. The link goes to EWTN. They have a beautiful web layout on Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. This courageous lady has taken the concept of "Fraternal Charity" to a new level.

The sick within our Franciscan Fraternities are companions of the Suffering Christ. "Before considering how we should treat the sick, we should consider the Christian meaning of suffering itself. In themselves, sickness and suffering are tragic and senseless, the inheritance of original sin. But Christ has sanctified even the wounds of human nature. This terrible scourge of mankind can be changed into a blessing, by being united to the sufferings of Christ. This is why the Constitutions call the sick "the companions of the suffering Christ.¹" (Art. 85)

Our Franciscan tradition calls us to maintain the spirit of Francis especially in suffering. In the Rule of the First Order of St. Francis (and also in the Rules of the other Franciscan religious groups) there is great emphasis on Fraternal charity to the sick and infirm. Whole friaries have been set up especially to accept the aging friar who can no longer maintain a 10-12 hour day because of reasons of health and age. In the sense of fraternal life, these special houses are no different from any other friary, except that they are for "retirees." In the Secular Franciscan Order, the sisters and brothers pray daily for those who cannot get to meetings because of health issues and geriatric problems.

This fraternal charity extends to prayers and deeds that reach into eternity, because Franciscan Perfection is our goal - and the culmination is entry into the intense love of God, the full vision and embrace of Our Lord.

Repair My Church. One of the greatest experiences in the life of St. Francis of Assisi occurred when God told him: "Francis go and repair my Church which you see is wholly in ruin." Francis took this to mean the little Church of San Damiano, which was indeed in need of repair. But Our Lord meant the general state of the Church. Not the building but the Body of Christ. And, we are still broken. There is constant need to "Repair My Church." Now it is our turn as Franciscans to seek to repair His Church! That can be done through strict adherence to the Rule of St. Francis and the laws of the Catholic Church. Christ is the Soul of the Apostolate. "On one occasion when Francis became discouraged, Christ said to him, "Tell me, you simple and ignorant little man, why do you grieve so when a brother leaves the Order and the brothers do not follow the way I showed you? Tell me, then who has founded this community? Who converts them to penitence? It is Christ alone who is the missionary. He works through us, and he succeeds only to the degree that he can create his life in us first.¹"

What should we do? Christianity is spread by the Holy Spirit. Tell people what is true and good. Do not deal in negatives or innuendo. If you have nothing worthwhile to say, don't say anything. Many people excel in needless conversation, in the minutia of personal lives, it's all a "control" game, and it really has no place in the Franciscan family. Explain beliefs and practices of the faith to those who ask. Tell people of God's love for them, when they need compassion and a sympathetic word. Do not talk in the abstract, looking everywhere except at the person you are addressing. Rely on the Holy Spirit for inspiration how to tackle the more difficult people, but never speak to them when they appear not interested in your message.

Be of good cheer, setting a good example. As you grow as a Franciscan, you will find great joy at doing the little favors to people every day. We are not holy or elite, we are just ordinary people. But we are striving to become worthy of the biggest reward of all, meeting our Lord in person and seeing Him in all his glory. And then we will also meet that little friar, our beloved Father, Saint Francis, and all the other Franciscans. It is in Heaven where we shall find true Brotherhood, but we've got to start here and now.

As our Seraphic Father said all the time, "Let us begin again, because till now we have done done nothing." Each time as we "start again," we will become stronger in our resolution to reach Franciscan perfection.

May you have joy in your heart and prayer on your lips.

Fred Schaeffer, SFO
Article #12, 11/07/2008, 2014

This ends the 12-part reflection "Seeking Franciscan Perfection"

THE END

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