The Divine Master
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
I did a lot of talking to Jesus this week, more than usual. I heard about the passing of a good friend, and that led to more prayer, meditation, and sorrow. Sorrow is suffering, and suffering is a way to do penance, depending to whom it is directed. In these reflections I’ve talked often about penance, without defining it. After much thought, I think penance and suffering doesn’t always have to be something special. Just living life, where there are numerous challenges, is often enough. In other words, it’s not necessary to go look for special ways to do penance. I live alone which in itself is a penance. People suggest to just go out and look for a mate. That’s not so easy when you’re in your eighties, set in your ways (mostly because of lack of funds), and one has to be very selective in friendships these days. Despite all that, I am happy, more than I probably deserve to be. I’m a professed Secular Franciscan (32 years), and I pray the Liturgy of the Hours, daily, and the Holy Rosary. I watch TV (probably too much), but am very selective what I watch. Only good stuff., beginning with Daily Mass at 8 AM EWTN.
Our Divine Master is always in my thoughts and I hope also in yours! He is a loving and merciful God (God the Father, Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit: one God in three Persons). How do we talk to Jesus? Very simply, just like you talk with your friends, as long as it is respectful. Jesus wants to be our friend, our Brother, because he IS our Brother. (ref. Mat. 12:46-50). He likes us to talk to Him, to share with Him. Conversation is prayer.
Many people feel unworthy to talk to God. If they feel that, it may be there is something wrong in their lives: Sin. For Catholics, Reconciliation (confession) is the answer. That Sacrament is made to get the glitches out of your relationship with Jesus. It takes a little preparation but after you go to Confession a couple of times, you’ll find out how valuable it really is.
For non-Catholics, if your church has a recommended method to ask for forgiveness, do use it. Otherwise, just pray and ask the Divine Master to forgive you. Keep praying.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
July 11, 2026
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