Praying for Intercession

A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS

I was reading about the need for Intercession as people ask that I pray for their intentions. Then I can go talk to Jesus and ask Him to be my intercessor to the Father. In recent Reflections I have written, the Holy Spirit led me to the subjects of "Silence" and "Praying to and with Jesus". All of that is related. Saint Faustina Kowalska decribes this relationship in her Diary, at paragraph #411 in a beautiful manner: "March 21, 1935. Often during Mass, I see the Lord in my soul; I feel His presence which pervades my being. I sense His divine gaze; I have long talks with Him without saying a word; I know what His divine Heart desires, and I always do what will please Him the most."

That reaffirms that the language of prayer with Jesus is, or can be, silence. And, silence is also the absence of other thoughts. If, during Mass, our thoughts are all over the place, thinking about relatives, friends, football, the Ladies Guild, or whatever, then we are not silent. But it is a different kind of silence, perhaps. How can we concentrate on Jesus, be He in the Blessed Sacrament during Holy Mass, or in public Adoration, or, as He usually is, contained in the Tabernacle? Go one step further ... How can we concentrate on Jesus when he is with us in our Heart, when one is distracted? In that sense, sin is also a distraction from inner silence, because when we sin we tell God that we know better than He, at that moment or time.

Most people have trouble with complete silence and even with partial silence. Look at what happens when the priest sits down after Holy Communion and just doesn't get up to continue Holy Mass in the same length of time he usually does? People get fidgety, they look at each other in disbelief, they think of getting out of the parking lot when they are really still at Mass... sounds familiar? Some people are terribly impatient. Why are we in such a rush!? Relax! I've got news for you, if you live in Vero Beach, FL and you are into retirement, life is much, much calmer. I don't worry about the next minute or two, or even ten minutes ... life ends fast enough, why let these remaining years be a time of frustration? Not necessary!

So sit down with Jesus. And quietly prepare to pray, taking time to just adore Him in the tabernacle in silence. If your manner of adoration takes place outdoors (e.g. sitting in a beautiful spot in nature, by a bog or marsh for example) this way of seeing God in nature, though certainly valid, should never take the place of attending Sunday Mass, of course. I'd love to have the opportunity again, to sit in the early morning by such a beautiful marshy area while the birds become active and daily life begins again—that mental picture certainly reminds us of God's beauty and gives great joy. There are so many ways in which we can adore Him in a simple way, and thus use that time to provide intercession in prayer for someone's toil and troubles. That's an image of a Prairie Warbler, one of the small neo-tropical migrants sometimes seen in Florida (said to breed in Mangroves).

I've said hundreds of times in these reflections that "prayer works" - I'd like to shout that out so everyone can hear me, because it is true. Jesus is an immense help in negotiating the small problems in life. Many small problems occur every day. Many people pray to the Saints and Blessed, and they ask if they would, in turn, ask Jesus that some intention be granted ... Jesus hears those requests too! And they are granted also. I feel that in my spirit, in my heart. And if I can show other people, that is you, my readers, or surfers, that I believe... then perhaps you can also believe so strongly in the Lord.

There are so many people who offer nothing but criticism, how they negatively feel about religion, the church, their lives, and all sorts of grandioze subjects that have nothing whatever to do with relationships. You see, what we have with God is a relationship; a relationship of love, of speaking (prayer) with/to God, and in that sense, relationships are very important. Such a relationship with God will one day save your soul – He promised us: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Jn 3:16.

Work on your relationship with Jesus, and with His Mother, Mary who is our mother as well. Start simply, and His Grace will bring this relationship to a level that is far greater than we would ever think it could be. Make a habit of silent reflection, just sit and relax by Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and He will help you along the way.

Peace and all Good!

Fred Schaeffer, OFS

May 22, 2011, Repub. 11/28/2023
FR2-563